Meaning & Definition of word "Carbon"

Carbon

/ˈkɑːrbən/

1. A chemical element (symbol C) that is a nonmetal, existing in several allotropes, including graphite and diamond; essential to all known life forms.
- Example: Carbon is a key component of organic molecules, which are the building blocks of life.
2. A black, powdery or amorphous solid form of carbon, as found in charcoal and soot.
- Example: The artist used carbon from charcoal to create the fine details in the drawing.
3. A term used in environmental science to refer to carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds associated with climate change.
- Example: Reducing carbon emissions is crucial to combating global warming.
4. A unit of measurement in terms of carbon footprint or environmental impact.
- Example: Companies are increasingly monitoring their carbon to improve their sustainability practices.

From Latin 'carbo', meaning 'coal' or 'charcoal'.

carbon footprint:

The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or organization is responsible.

carbon dating:

A method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by measuring the amount of carbon-14 it contains.

carbon copy:

An exact duplicate of something, often in reference to documents.

carbon dioxide:

A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration.

carbon monoxide:

A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances.

hydrocarbon:

An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon.

Meaning: Carbon footprint

Example Sentence: We need to be mindful of our carbon footprint.

Meaning: Carbon neutral

Example Sentence: Let’s make our event carbon neutral by offsetting emissions.