carbide

American  

[kahr-bahyd, -bid] / ˈkɑr baɪd, -bɪd /

noun

1. a compound of carbon with a more electropositive element or group.

2. calcium carbide.

3. a very hard mixture of sintered carbides of various heavy metals, especially tungsten carbide, used for cutting edges and dies.

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carbide British  

/ ˈkɑːbaɪd /

noun

1. a binary compound of carbon with a more electropositive element See also acetylide

2. See calcium carbide

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carbide Scientific  

/ kär′bīd′ /

1. A chemical compound consisting of carbon and a more electropositive element, such as calcium or tungsten. Many carbides, especially those made of carbon and a metal, are very hard and are used to make cutting tools and abrasives.

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Etymology

Origin of carbide

First recorded in 1860–65; carb- + -ide ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

carbide

The Wolfspeed-Liteon partnership also reinforces AI-driven silicon carbide adoption, benefiting Malaysian power-management players such as Malaysian Pacific Industries, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

The findings suggest that additive manufacturing can produce cemented carbide molds without major defects, although the results differed depending on the fabrication arrangement.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

The material combines tungsten carbide, which provides hardness, with cobalt, which acts as a metallic binder that holds the carbide particles together.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

This distinction is important because completely melting tungsten carbide can alter its internal structure and reduce the properties that make it valuable.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

I was given my own carbide light, my own pickax, and my own place to work.

From "Prisoner B-3087" by Alan Gratz