carbon arc

noun

1. an electric arc between two carbon electrodes, used mainly for lighting, as in an arc light for a motion-picture projector, or for intense heating, as in the cutting and welding of metals.

carbon arc

noun

1. 1. an electric arc produced between two carbon electrodes, formerly used as a light source

   2. ( as modifier )

      carbon-arc light

2. 1. an electric arc produced between a carbon electrode and material to be welded

   2. ( as modifier )

      carbon-arc welding

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbon arc¹

First recorded in 1905–10