carb

¹ American  

[kahrb] / kɑrb /

noun

1. carbohydrate.

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verb (used without object)

1. to eat large quantities of carbohydrates before a major physical exertion in order to store up energy (usually followed byup ).

   Some marathon runners carb up on spaghetti the night before a race.

carb ² American  

[kahrb] / kɑrb /

noun

Informal.

1. a carburetor.

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carb- ³ American  

1. variant of carbo- before a vowel.

   carbazole.

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carb British  

/ kɑːb /

noun

1. short for carburettor

2. short for carbohydrate

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Usage

What does carb- mean? The combining form carbo- is used like a prefix meaning “carbon.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry.The form carbo- ultimately comes from Latin carbō, meaning “charcoal.” Yes, charcoal. The dishes carbonara and carbonade are also related to the Latin carbō.The Greek translation of Latin carbō is ánthrax, “charcoal” or “carbuncle,” which is the source of the word anthrax. Find out more at our entry for the word.What are variants of carb-?The form carb- is a variant of carbo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article for carbo-.

Etymology

Origin of carb¹

By shortening of carbohydrate

Origin of carb²

First recorded in 1950–55; by shortening

Example Sentences

The price has been one of the greatest selling points, as the average cost of a zero-emission big rig was $435,000 in 2024, according to CARB.

From Los Angeles Times

The 2024 Tesla Semi was listed as an eligible vehicle by CARB, despite not having powertrain certification registered on CARB’s website.

From Los Angeles Times

According to state data, Tesla has received payment from CARB’s voucher program for only five Semi models thus far, all of which were delivered last July to Nevoya Transportation LLC.

From Los Angeles Times

The program initially had about $13 million at its disposal: $10 million worth of general funds and an additional $3 million from the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, according to CARB.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of a third public application window, the final vouchers were distributed by 25 community-based organizations that partnered with CARB.

From Los Angeles Times