Carbonate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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carbonate

[หˆkษ‘หr.bษ™.neษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

A carbonate is a salt or ester of carbonic acid, containing the anion COโ‚ƒยฒโป. In chemistry, carbonates are a class of compounds that are often encountered in geology and biology. They play a significant role in various natural processes, including the formation of sedimentary rocks and the carbon cycle. Common examples of carbonates include calcium carbonate, found in limestone, and sodium carbonate, used in glass making.

Synonyms

carbide, carbonate salt.

Examples of usage

  • Calcium carbonate is a key component of chalk.
  • Sodium carbonate is often used in cleaning products.
  • Carbonate minerals are abundant in sedimentary environments.
Context #2 | Verb

to treat with carbonate

To carbonate refers to the process of infusing a liquid with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This method is commonly used in the beverage industry to create fizzy drinks. Carbonation affects the flavor, mouthfeel, and preservation of beverages and is an important aspect in the production of sodas and sparkling wines.

Synonyms

fizz, sparkle.

Examples of usage

  • They carbonate the water to create sparkling mineral water.
  • The beverage industry carbonates drinks to enhance flavor.
  • You can carbonate your homemade kombucha for fizz.

Translations

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Origin of 'carbonate'

The word 'carbonate' has its origins in the late 18th century, derived from the French term 'carbonate', which in turn comes from the Italian 'carbonato'. The root 'carbon' is derived from the Latin 'carbo', meaning charcoal, and 'ate' is a suffix used in chemistry to denote a compound containing a certain element. The classification of carbonates was formalized as chemists began to better understand the structure and behavior of chemical compounds, especially following the development of modern chemistry in the 19th century. Carbonates have since been recognized for their wide-ranging applications, from geology to industry, and are a fundamental area of study in both inorganic and organic chemistry.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,440 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.