activated carbon

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a form of carbon having very fine pores: used chiefly for adsorbing gases or solutes, as in various filter systems for purification, deodorization, and decolorization.

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activated carbon British  

noun

1. Also called: activated charcoal.   active carbon.  a porous highly adsorptive form of carbon used to remove colour or impurities from liquids and gases, in the separation and extraction of chemical compounds, and in the recovery of solvents

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Etymology

Origin of activated carbon

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In early 2024, media reported that Nestle Waters, which also owns the Vittel and Contrex brands, had used banned processes to improve its quality, including ultraviolet treatment and activated carbon filters.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

Typically, he added, they can be treated using activated carbon and reverse osmosis.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2024

Adsorption with clay materials, activated carbon, iron oxide and natural materials such as coffee grounds, has also been used before and exhibit high cationic dye uptake, exchanging ions or forming bonds.

From Science Daily • Oct. 10, 2023

Most filters contain activated carbon to capture contaminant particles, which can be used in pitchers, refrigerator dispensers, faucet attachments or systems installed under the sink.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2023

On Wednesday, the Ohio city of Steubenville detected butyl acrylate in its water intake, though officials said it would be removed from the river using powder activated carbon.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2023