an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds
"The geologist explained that while diamonds are a crystalline form of pure carbon, the same element is also found as graphite or mixed with other elements in every living organism."
a thin paper coated on one side with a dark waxy substance (often containing carbon); used to transfer characters from the original to an under sheet of paper
"He tore off the top layer of his receipt and pressed it onto her order form so she could see exactly what he had bought."
a copy made with carbon paper
"She handed me her original letter along with two copies, each bearing the distinct gray imprint of carbon paper from the old typewriter."
The chemical element (symbol C) with an atomic number of 6. It can be found in pure form for example as graphite, a black, shiny and very soft material, or diamond, a colourless, transparent, crystalline solid and the hardest known material.
"The geologist explained that while diamonds are famous for their hardness, they share the same chemical identity as the soft, shiny graphite found in pencil leads because both consist entirely of pure carbon atoms arranged differently."
In plain English: Carbon is a common element found in everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat and the technology we use every day.
"The company committed to reducing its carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy sources."
Usage: Use "carbon" to refer to the specific chemical element that forms the basis of organic life and is found in various pure forms like graphite and diamond. Do not use it as a synonym for coal or general pollution unless specifically describing emissions from burning fossil fuels derived from this element.
To cause (someone) to receive a carbon copy of an email message.
"Please don't carbon me on that invitation since I'm only invited to watch from home anyway."
In plain English: To carbon something means to turn it into black soot or ash, usually by burning it.
"The factory carbon footprint has been reduced by switching to renewable energy."
Usage: Use "carbon" only in informal digital contexts to mean sending someone a copy of an email, often implying they are included without being the primary recipient. It is incorrect to use this verb when referring to the chemical element or physical paper copies.
A surname.
"My neighbor, Mr. Carbon, always greets us with a firm handshake before we head to work."
The word carbon comes from the French carbone, which was coined by Antoine Lavoisier based on the Latin carbō meaning "charcoal" or "coal." This Latin term likely originated from a Proto-Indo-European root related to burning.