carbonate
carbonate Lexical Profile
carbonate Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A salt or ester of carbonic acid, containing the divalent ion CO3²⁻, commonly found in minerals such as limestone and chalk.
"Calcium carbonate is the primary mineral component of marine shells, pearls, and limestone."
• verb
To dissolve carbon dioxide gas under pressure into a liquid to make it effervescent or fizzy.
"You can use a countertop appliance to carbonate tap water at home."
To convert into a carbonate or impregnate with carbonic acid (in chemistry and geology).
"Atmospheric carbon dioxide can slowly carbonate exposed alkaline minerals over geological timescales."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun and verb forms are heteronyms: the noun typically has a reduced final vowel (/ˈkɑːrbənət/ or /ˈkɑːrbəneɪt/), whereas the verb always ends with a long 'a' sound (/ˈkɑːrbəneɪt/).
• Rhymes for carbonate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in French as 'carbonate' in 1787 by chemist Guyton de Morveau from 'carbone' (from Latin 'carbo', meaning 'coal' or 'charcoal') and the chemical suffix '-ate'.