carbon

American  

[kahr-buhn] / ˈkɑr bən /

noun

1. Chemistry. a widely distributed element that forms organic compounds in combination with hydrogen, oxygen, etc., and that occurs in a pure state as diamond and graphite, and in an impure state as charcoal. C; 12.011; 6; (of diamond) 3.51 at 20°C; (of graphite) 2.26 at 20°C.

2. carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds that are emitted into the atmosphere and cause rising temperatures.

   the carbon produced by burning fossil fuels.

3. carbon copy.

4. a sheet of carbon paper.

5. Electricity.

   1. the carbon rod through which current is conducted between the electrode holder and the arc in carbon arc lighting or welding.

   2. the rod or plate, composed in part of carbon, used in batteries.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or noting the element carbon or any of its compounds, especially carbon dioxide.

   to reduce carbon emissions.

carbon British  

/ ˈkɑːbən /

noun

1. 1. a nonmetallic element existing in the three crystalline forms: graphite, diamond, and buckminsterfullerene: occurring in carbon dioxide, coal, oil, and all organic compounds. The isotope carbon-12 has been adopted as the standard for atomic wt; carbon-14 , a radioisotope with a half-life of 5700 years, is used in radiocarbon dating and as a tracer. Symbol: C; atomic no: 6; atomic wt: 12.011; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 1.8–2.1 (amorphous), 1.9–2.3 (graphite), 3.15–3.53 (diamond); sublimes at 3367±25°C; boiling pt: 4827°C

   2. ( as modifier )

      a carbon compound

2. short for carbon paper carbon copy

3. a carbon electrode used in a carbon-arc light or in carbon-arc welding

4. a rod or plate, made of carbon, used in some types of battery

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carbon Scientific  

/ kär′bən /

1. A naturally abundant, nonmetallic element that occurs in all organic compounds and can be found in all known forms of life. Diamonds and graphite are pure forms, and carbon is a major constituent of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Carbon generally forms four covalent bonds with other atoms in larger molecules. Atomic number 6; atomic weight 12.011; sublimation point above 3,500°C; boiling point 4,827°C; specific gravity of amorphous carbon 1.8 to 2.1, of diamond 3.15 to 3.53, of graphite 1.9 to 2.3; valence 2, 3, 4.

2. See Periodic Table

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carbon Cultural  

1. A chemical element; its symbol is C. The carbon nucleus has six protons and six or more neutrons; six electrons are in orbit around the carbon nucleus. (See hydrocarbons and organic molecules (see also organic molecule).)

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Discover More

Carbon forms the basis for all living tissue.

Other Word Forms

• carbonless adjective
• carbonous adjective
• noncarbon noun

Etymology

Origin of carbon

1780–90; < French carbone, coinage based on Latin carbōn- (stem of carbō ) charcoal

Example Sentences

One type contains high amounts of aliphatic organic compounds, which are simple carbon-based molecules made of chains of carbon and hydrogen.

From Science Daily

Coal is also uncompetitive against gas under the EU's carbon tax scheme.

From Barron's

"Cremation produces significant carbon emissions and traditional burial takes up land and resources," said Hughes.

From BBC

One of the most abundant organisms on Earth, algae captures carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and yields oil that theoretically could be used to make transportation fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal

They believe carbon monoxide fumes were leaking into the cabin of the plane during Sala's flight, and the lack of an audible alarm meant Ibbotson was unable to take action to disperse the deadly gas.

From BBC

Related Words

• graphite
• soot