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Charcoal: meaning, definitions and examples

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charcoal

 

[ˈtʃɑːrˌkoʊl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

drawing

a hard black substance that is used as a pencil for drawing

Synonyms

carbon, graphite, pencil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
charcoal

Used mainly in art and grilling, charcoal refers to a form of carbon that is created by burning wood or other organic material in a low-oxygen environment. In art, it is used for drawing, while in cooking, it is used as a fuel source.

  • The artist created a stunning portrait using charcoal
  • We need more charcoal for the barbecue
carbon

Carbon is a chemical element found in all organic life, as well as in substances such as coal, diamonds, and graphite. It is often discussed in scientific, environmental, and industrial contexts.

  • Carbon is an essential element in organic chemistry
  • Reducing our carbon footprint is crucial to combating climate change
graphite

Graphite is a form of carbon known for its use in pencils and as a lubricant. It is soft and can leave marks on paper, making it ideal for writing and drawing.

  • The core of the pencil is made from graphite
  • Graphite is also used in some high-temperature applications
pencil

Pencil refers to the common writing or drawing instrument that typically consists of a wooden stick with a graphite core. It is used for writing, sketching, and drawing.

  • Please use a pencil to fill out the form
  • The artist sketched the landscape with a pencil

Examples of usage

  • She used charcoal to sketch the outline of the portrait.
  • The artist smudged the charcoal to create shadows in the drawing.
Context #2 | Noun

fuel

a black substance made by burning wood slowly in an oven with little air, used as fuel

Synonyms

char, coal, wood charcoal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
charcoal

Charcoal is commonly used in contexts related to art or fuel. In art, it's a medium for drawing. As fuel, it's used for grilling and barbecuing.

  • She drew a beautiful portrait using charcoal
  • We need to buy some charcoal for the barbecue
coal

Coal is a hard, black material used mainly as a fuel to produce electricity or heat. It's commonly mentioned in industrial and environmental contexts.

  • The power station burns tons of coal every day
  • They used to heat their house with a coal stove
wood charcoal

Wood charcoal is often used to specify charcoal made from wood, especially in culinary or fuel-related settings. It's preferred for certain types of grilling due to its different burning properties compared to other charcoals.

  • Wood charcoal gives the food a unique, smoky flavor
  • For the best barbecue, choose high-quality wood charcoal
char

Char is typically used to describe something that has been partially burned or blackened by fire. It can also refer to a cooking method where food is cooked over high heat.

  • The edges of the paper charred in the fire
  • She likes to char the vegetables on the grill for added flavor

Examples of usage

  • The grill was heated with charcoal.
  • They cooked the meat over a charcoal fire.
Context #3 | Noun

medicine

a form of carbon with a very porous surface that is used to absorb poisons or gases in the stomach or intestines

Synonyms

activated carbon, char.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
charcoal

Repeated entry: see the first 'charcoal' entry in the list.
activated carbon

Activated carbon is used for purification and filtering purposes. It is highly porous and has a large surface area for adsorption.

  • The water filter uses activated carbon to remove impurities
  • Activated carbon is also used in air purifiers
char

Char refers to carbon-rich material that has been partially burned or charred. It is often used in farming for improving soil quality.

  • The logs were left to char in the fire
  • Farmers add char to the soil to improve its fertility

Examples of usage

  • The doctor administered charcoal to the patient to treat poisoning.
  • Charcoal tablets are often used to relieve gas and bloating.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French term 'charbon', which means 'coal'.
  • In Middle English, it was referred to as 'charcol', reflecting its origin as a carbon-rich material.

Art

  • Artists love using this material for sketching due to its rich, dark lines and ability to create depth.
  • Famous artists like Picasso and Degas utilized it for their notable works.

Culinary Uses

  • Many outdoor grill enthusiasts prefer using this for barbecuing because it burns hotter and longer than regular wood.
  • It's also found in some forms of cooking known as 'grilling' and 'smoking', enhancing flavor.

Science

  • This substance is primarily composed of carbon and is known for its high absorptive properties.
  • In water purification, it's often used to remove impurities due to its porous nature.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, this is historically significant for creating art, such as cave paintings.
  • It's also used in traditional cooking methods across many cultures, symbolizing gatherings around food.

Translations

Translations of the word "charcoal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carvão

🇮🇳 कोयला

🇩🇪 Holzkohle

🇮🇩 arang

🇺🇦 деревне вугілля

🇵🇱 węgiel drzewny

🇯🇵 炭

🇫🇷 charbon de bois

🇪🇸 carbón vegetal

🇹🇷 odun kömürü

🇰🇷 숯

🇸🇦 فحم نباتي

🇨🇿 dřevěné uhlí

🇸🇰 drevo uhlie

🇨🇳 木炭

🇸🇮 lesni oglje

🇮🇸 viðurkol

🇰🇿 ағаш көмірі

🇬🇪 ხის ნახშირი

🇦🇿 odun kömürü

🇲🇽 carbón vegetal

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,753 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.