Carbide: meaning, definitions and examples

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carbide

 

[ ˈkɑːr.baɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry term

Carbide is a compound formed between carbon and a less electronegative element. These materials are often used in industrial applications due to their hardness and thermal conductivity. Some common types include calcium carbide and tungsten carbide, widely used in cutting tools and abrasives.

Synonyms

binary compound, carbon compound

Examples of usage

  • Tungsten carbide is used to make drill bits.
  • Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas.
  • Silicon carbide is used in high-performance applications.

Translations

Translations of the word "carbide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carbeto

🇮🇳 कार्बाइड

🇩🇪 Karbid

🇮🇩 karbida

🇺🇦 карбід

🇵🇱 węglik

🇯🇵 カーバイド

🇫🇷 carbure

🇪🇸 carburo

🇹🇷 karbür

🇰🇷 카바이드

🇸🇦 كربيد

🇨🇿 karbid

🇸🇰 karbid

🇨🇳 碳化物

🇸🇮 karbid

🇮🇸 karbíð

🇰🇿 карбид

🇬🇪 კარბიდი

🇦🇿 karbid

🇲🇽 carburo

Etymology

The term 'carbide' is derived from the combination of the words 'carbon' and 'ide', the latter being a suffix used in inorganic chemistry to indicate a binary compound consisting of carbon and another element. The use of carbides can be traced back to the late 19th century, particularly with the discovery of calcium carbide in 1862 by the chemist Andrew Williams. The industrial applications of carbides expanded in the 20th century, especially with the advent of hardmetal technology, which utilized tungsten carbide for cutting tools and wear-resistant applications. Over the years, various other types of carbides were developed, broadening the scope of their usage in industries like electronics, automotive, and mining. Their unique properties make them valuable materials in manufacturing and engineering, particularly where high durability and resistance to wear are crucial.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,214, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.