carbon Definition
- 1a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6, a nonmetal that has two main forms (diamond and graphite) and that also occurs in impure form in charcoal, soot, and coal
- 2a sheet of carbon paper used for making copies
Using carbon: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "carbon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Carbon is the basis of life on Earth.
Example
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Example
The pencil lead is made of graphite, which is a form of carbon.
Example
The carbon copy of the document was sent to the manager.
carbon Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with carbon
the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, or activity
Example
We need to reduce our carbon footprint to combat climate change.
the process by which carbon is exchanged between living organisms, the atmosphere, and the Earth's crust
Example
The carbon cycle plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
a method used to determine the age of an object containing organic material by measuring the amount of carbon-14 it contains
Example
Carbon dating revealed that the artifact was over 5,000 years old.
Origins of carbon
from Latin 'carbo', meaning 'coal'
Summary: carbon in Brief
The term 'carbon' [ˈkɑːrbən] refers to a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a nonmetal that has two main forms (diamond and graphite) and also occurs in impure form in charcoal, soot, and coal. 'Carbon' is also used to refer to a sheet of carbon paper used for making copies. Phrases like 'carbon footprint,' 'carbon cycle,' and 'carbon dating' are commonly used in scientific contexts.
