Carbon

/ˈkɑːrbən/

Meaning & Definition

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

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Carbon footprint
We need to be mindful of our carbon footprint.
Carbon neutral
Let’s make our event carbon neutral by offsetting emissions.