carbon paper

American  

[kahr-buhn pey-per] / ˈkɑr bən ˌpeɪ pər /

noun

1. paper faced with a preparation of carbon or other material, used between two sheets of plain paper in order to reproduce on the lower sheet that which is written or typed on the upper.

2. Also called carbon tissue.  a paper for making photographs by the carbon process.

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carbon paper British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: carbon.  a thin sheet of paper coated on one side with a dark waxy pigment, often containing carbon, that is transferred by the pressure of writing or of typewriter keys onto the copying surface below

2. another name for carbon tissue

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Etymology

Origin of carbon paper

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The scientists then adhere the nanoparticles to carbon paper that is hydrophilic, or attracted to water molecules.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2024

No more feeding sheets of paper backed by carbon paper with attached onion skin for copies.

From Salon • May 4, 2019

The term “carbon copy” refers to the old carbon paper method of making copies that was popular before copying machines.

From Encyclopedia.com • Feb. 5, 2018

A computer is on the premises but so is carbon paper for making copies.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2018

I looked through the rest of the desk drawers, knowing there was no carbon paper in any of them.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English