car·bon (kär b n)n. 1. Symbol C A naturally abundant nonmetallic element that occurs in many inorganic and in all organic compounds, exists freely as graphite and diamond and as a constituent of coal, limestone, and petroleum, and is capable of chemical self-bonding to form an enormous number of chemically, biologically, and commercially important molecules. Atomic number 6; atomic weight 12.011; sublimation point above 3,500°C; boiling point 4,827°C; specific gravity of amorphous carbon 1.8 to 2.1, of diamond 3.15 to 3.53, of graphite 1.9 to 2.3; valence 2, 3, 4. See Table at element. 2. a. A sheet of carbon paper. b. A carbon copy. 3. Electricity a. Either of two rods through which current flows to form an arc, as in lighting or welding. b. A carbonaceous electrode in an electric cell. [French carbone, from Latin carb  , carbn-, a coal, charcoal; see ker-3 in Indo-European roots.]car bon·ous (-b-ns) adj. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | carbonous - relating to or consisting of or yielding carbon |
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|