carbon

UK: ˈkɑːbən | US: ˈkɑːrbən

Definition

  1. n. a nonmetallic chemical element (symbol C) with atomic number 6, occurring in pure forms such as diamond and graphite

  2. n. a carbon copy or duplicate

  3. n. a sheet of carbon paper

Structure
carb <coal>on <chemical suffix>
Etymology

carbon = carb<coal> + on<chemical suffix>

  • carb (from Latin carbo, meaning "coal" or "charcoal")
  • on (a suffix used in chemistry to denote elements, derived from Greek -on)

Etymology Origin:
The word carbon traces back to Latin carbo, which referred to charcoal or embers. This reflects the element’s historical association with burning organic materials. The suffix -on was later adopted in scientific terminology to standardize names of elements (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen). The evolution highlights carbon’s fundamental role in organic chemistry and combustion.

Examples

  1. Diamonds are a crystalline form of pure carbon.

  2. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.

  3. Make sure to keep a carbon copy of the contract.

  4. The artist used carbon paper to transfer the sketch.

  5. Carbon dating helps determine the age of ancient artifacts.