Carbon: meaning, definitions and examples
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carbon
[ ˈkɑːrbən ]
element
A nonmetallic element occurring naturally in pure form and in compounds such as limestone, marble, chalk, and coal.
Synonyms
C
Examples of usage
- Carbon is the key element in organic compounds.
- Diamond and graphite are both forms of carbon.
material
A material consisting essentially of pure carbon, used in pencils, filters, and electrodes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The pencil lead is made of a mixture of graphite and clay, with carbon as the main component.
- Carbon filters are commonly used in air purifiers.
dating
A radioactive isotope of carbon, used in carbon dating of archaeological and geological samples.
Synonyms
Carbon-14
Examples of usage
- Carbon-14 dating is a method used to determine the age of organic material.
- The accuracy of carbon dating relies on the decay rate of Carbon-14.
Translations
Translations of the word "carbon" in other languages:
🇵🇹 carbono
🇮🇳 कार्बन
🇩🇪 Kohlenstoff
🇮🇩 karbon
🇺🇦 вуглець
🇵🇱 węgiel
🇯🇵 炭素
🇫🇷 carbone
🇪🇸 carbono
🇹🇷 karbon
🇰🇷 탄소
🇸🇦 كربون
🇨🇿 uhlík
🇸🇰 uhlík
🇨🇳 碳
🇸🇮 ogljik
🇮🇸 kolefni
🇰🇿 көміртек
🇬🇪 ნახშირი
🇦🇿 karbon
🇲🇽 carbono
Word origin
The word 'carbon' originates from the Latin word 'carbo', meaning charcoal. Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe by mass and is known for its versatility in forming different compounds. It plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, essential for life on Earth. The discovery of carbon dates back to ancient times, with various forms like diamond and graphite known to civilizations for centuries. Today, carbon is a key element in multiple industries, from energy production to materials manufacturing.
See also: carbonated, carbonization.