carbon

UK: /ˈkɑː^rbən/ US: /ˈkɑrbən/ ,(kär′bən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

car•bon /ˈkɑrbən/   n. 

1. Chemistry [uncountable] an element combined with other elements in all organic matter, and found in a pure form as diamond and graphite.
2. [countable] a sheet of paper with writing or other marks copied onto it by the use of carbon paper.
3. [countable] a sheet of carbon paper.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

car•bon  (kär′bən), n. 

1. Chemistry a widely distributed element that forms organic compounds in combination with hydrogen, oxygen, etc., and that occurs in a pure state as diamond and graphite, and in an impure state as charcoal. Symbol: C;
   at. wt.: 12.011;
   at. no.: 6;
   sp. gr.: (of diamond) 3.51 at 20°C;
   (of graphite) 2.26 at 20°C.
2. See carbon copy. 
3. a sheet of carbon paper.
4. Electricity
   • the carbon rod through which current is conducted between the electrode holder and the arc in carbon arc lighting or welding.
   • the rod or plate, composed in part of carbon, used in batteries.

• French carbone, coinage based on Latin carbōn- (stem of carbō) charcoal
• 1780–90

car′bon•less, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

carbon / ˈkɑːb^ən/ noun

1. a nonmetallic element existing in the three crystalline forms: graphite, diamond, and buckminsterfullerene: occurring in carbon dioxide, coal, oil, and all organic compounds. The isotope carbon-12 has been adopted as the standard for atomic weight; carbon-14, a radioisotope with a half-life of 5700 years, is used in radiocarbon dating and as a tracer. Symbol: C; atomic no: 6; atomic wt: 12.011; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 1.8–2.1 (amorphous), 1.9–2.3 (graphite), 3.15–3.53 (diamond); sublimes at 3367±25°C; boiling pt: 4827°C
2. (as modifier): a carbon compound
3. short for carbon paper, carbon copy
4. a carbon electrode used in a carbon-arc light or in carbon-arc welding
5. a rod or plate, made of carbon, used in some types of battery

Etymology: 18th Century: from French carbone, from Latin carbō charcoal, dead or glowing coal