Carbon (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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noun
  1. 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. Symbol: C; atomic weight: 12.011; atomic number: 6; specific gravity: (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.
    • the carbon rod through which current is conducted between the electrode holder and the arc in carbon arc lighting or welding.
    • 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.
noun
    • 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
    • (as modifier)
  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
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    Carbon (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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