carbon steel

American  

noun

1. steel owing its properties principally to its carbon content; ordinary, unalloyed steel.

---

carbon steel British  

noun

1. steel whose characteristics are determined by the amount of carbon it contains

---

Etymology

Origin of carbon steel

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

After a several rounds of cooking with oil, carbon steel develops a naturally nonstick patina, similar to the slick surface of a well-seasoned cast iron pan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

From ingenious herb savers and handcrafted carbon steel roasters to powerful appliances and artisanal dinnerware, every item has been chosen with care to bring both beauty and practicality to the kitchen and beyond.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024

"As the country and the world transition to net zero, the demand for steel is growing - especially low carbon steel," she said.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2023

Seattle Seed Company Forged Steel Pruners Forged carbon steel utility shears are a must for any gardener, used for pruning small shrubs, coaxing bonsai and gathering herbs.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2023

Monday arrived cold and raw, with a rising wind that brought a smell of snow from a sky the color of plain carbon steel.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston