calcium carbide

American  

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.

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calcium carbide British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of calcium carbide

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The Indian Coast Guard said that the ship was carrying 13 containers of hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide - a chemical that reacts with seawater to release a flammable gas.

From BBC • May 26, 2025

The freight train was carrying calcium carbide, a caustic, flammable chemical compound used in steel manufacturing, among other things.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Acetylene gas, C2H2, and solid calcium hydroxide were formed by the reaction of calcium carbide, CaC2, with water.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

The chemicals stored there include sodium cyanide, toluene diisocyanate and calcium carbide, all of which can be harmful to humans, according to the Tianjin Fire Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2015

A faint smell of acetylene may be perceived during the oxidation in moist air; this is probably due to traces of calcium carbide.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various