charcoal
UK: ˈtʃɑːkəʊl | US: ˈtʃɑːrkoʊl
n. a black or dark gray porous solid fuel made by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air
n. a dark grayish color resembling burnt wood
n. a drawing material made of compressed charcoal
charcoal = char<to burn partially> + coal<carbon fuel>
- char (from Old English cierran "to turn," later "to scorch"): Implies partial burning or carbonization.
- coal (from Old English col "mineral coal"): Refers to carbon-rich fuel.
Etymology Origin:
The word "charcoal" emerged in Middle English (14th century) by combining "char" (partial burning) and "coal" (carbonized material). It originally described the process of burning wood slowly to produce a lightweight, carbon-rich residue. Over time, the term expanded to include both the fuel and its artistic use. The logic reflects the transformation of wood into a purified carbon state through controlled combustion.
The artist sketched the portrait using charcoal on textured paper.
We grilled the meat over hot charcoal for a smoky flavor.
The cave walls were blackened by ancient charcoal drawings.
Charcoal filters are effective at purifying water.
After the fire, only piles of charcoal remained from the wooden shed.