calcium carbide

noun

1. a grayish-black, lumpy, crystalline powder, CaC 2 , usually derived from coke or anthracite by reaction with limestone or quicklime: used chiefly for the generation of acetylene, which it yields upon decomposing in water.

calcium carbide

noun

1. a grey salt of calcium used in the production of acetylene (by its reaction with water) and calcium cyanamide. Formula: CaC 2 Sometimes shortened tocarbide

Word History and Origins

Origin of calcium carbide¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

It was shown to be calcium carbide, a compound of calcium and carbon, formed by the action of the carbon on the calcium oxide.

From Project Gutenberg

With the development of the modern electric furnace the possibility of calcium carbide as a commercial product became known.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet these two substances are forced into combination in the manufacture of calcium carbide.

From Project Gutenberg

So a lump of calcium carbide, with which many readers are familiar, has vast stores of heat locked up within it.

From Project Gutenberg

Barium carbide, BaC2, is prepared by a method similar to that in use for the preparation of calcium carbide (see Acetylene).

From Project Gutenberg