carbon
carbon Lexical Profile
carbon Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 6 that occurs natively in pure forms such as diamond and graphite, and serves as the fundamental building block of all known organic life and fossil fuels.
"Diamonds and graphite are both composed entirely of pure carbon arranged in different crystal structures."
Carbon dioxide or other gaseous carbon compounds released into the atmosphere, especially when measured in the context of human industrial activity and climate change.
"The manufacturing plant invested in solar energy to reduce its annual carbon emissions."
A sheet of carbon paper, or a duplicate document produced by placing carbon paper between two sheets during writing or typing.
"Before photocopiers became widespread, secretaries kept a file of carbons for every business letter sent out."
• Rhymes for carbon
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century from French 'carbone', coined by chemist Antoine Lavoisier from the Latin 'carbo' (genitive 'carbonis'), meaning 'coal' or 'glowing ember'.