carbon

[ kahr-buhn ]

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.

adjective

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

   to reduce carbon emissions.

carbon

/ 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

carbon

/ 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

carbon

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 ).)

Notes

Carbon forms the basis for all living tissue.

Derived Forms

• ˈcarbonous, adjective

Other Words From

• carbon·less adjective
• non·carbon noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbon¹

C18: from French carbone, from Latin carbō charcoal, dead or glowing coal

Example Sentences

By phasing out sugar, we could spare land that could be rewilded and stock up on carbon.

From Salon

For example, methane is of particular relevance to the global greenhouse effect because its warming potential is 25 times higher than that of carbon dioxide.

From Science Daily

This is a region that has historically helped to buffer the world from further warming, by absorbing some of the carbon dioxide produced from human activities.

From BBC

Peatlands are wetlands characterised by waterlogged conditions and are known carbon stores.

From BBC

The science of net zero, developed over 15 years ago,* does not include these natural carbon sinks in the definition of net human-induced CO2 emissions.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• graphite
• soot