Carbon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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carbon
[ˈkɑːrbən ]
Definitions
element
A nonmetallic element occurring naturally in pure form and in compounds such as limestone, marble, chalk, and coal.
Synonyms
C.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| carbon |
Used in everyday conversation and non-scientific writing to refer to carbon-based materials or things associated with carbon (like carbon paper or carbon rods). It can also be used when discussing environmental impact in a general sense.
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| C |
Used as the chemical symbol for carbon in periodic table references and chemical equations. This is common in scientific and educational contexts.
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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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| carbon |
Use 'carbon' in the printing or copying context, referring to the thin paper used to transfer writing.
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| charcoal |
Use 'charcoal' when referring to the black substance used as a fuel for grilling or as a material for art and drawing.
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| graphite |
Use 'graphite' when referring to the form of carbon used in pencils and as a lubricant.
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| coal |
Use 'coal' when talking about the fossil fuel used primarily for energy production and heating. It often has a negative environmental connotation due to pollution.
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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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| carbon |
When used in environmental contexts, 'carbon' often refers to carbon compounds like carbon dioxide (CO2) that contribute to global warming and climate change.
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| Carbon-14 |
The term 'Carbon-14' is used specifically in the context of radiocarbon dating, a scientific method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by measuring its carbon-14 content.
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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
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe, playing a crucial role in chemistry and biology.
- It can form stable bonds with many elements, allowing for the enormous variety of life and materials on Earth.
- Carbon exists in several forms, like diamond (hardest natural substance), graphite (used in pencils), and fullerenes (spherical structures).
Environmental Impact
- Carbon dioxide is a key gas in Earth's atmosphere, essential for plant photosynthesis but also a contributor to climate change.
- Carbon sequestration involves capturing and storing carbon dioxide to combat global warming, showcasing its environmental significance.
Cultural Significance
- Carbon plays a role in numerous cultural depictions, often symbolizing life and sustainability during discussions of climate issues.
- In literature, elements like carbon-based life forms are often explored to reflect human existence and our connection to nature.
Industry
- Carbon is a big player in the energy sector, particularly in the form of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
- The production of carbon materials is critical in industries including construction (carbon fibers) and technology (graphene).
Origin of 'carbon'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'carbon' comes from the Latin 'carbo', meaning 'coal' or 'charcoal', highlighting its origins in common substances.
- Earlier terms for carbon include 'grahite' from the Greek 'graphis', meaning 'to write', as it was used in pencils.
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.