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countable and uncountable, plural carbons
(uncountable) 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. quotations examples
Carbon is the most common element in our bodies—indeed, in all living things on earth.
2006, Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma, The Penguin Press, page 20
(countable) An atom of this element, in reference to a molecule containing it. examples
(countable, informal) A sheet of carbon paper. quotations examples
He stepped back and opened his bag and took out a printed pad of D.O.A. forms and began to write over a carbon.
1939, Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep, Penguin, published 2011, page 51
(countable, informal) A carbon copy. examples
A fossil fuel that is made of impure carbon such as coal or charcoal. examples
(ecology, uncountable) carbon dioxide, in the context of climate change. quotations
If Alberta’s reserves are a carbon bomb, this global expansion of tar sands and oil shale exploitation amounts to an escalating emissions arms race, the unlocking of a subterranean cache of weapons of mass ecological destruction.
2014 April 25, Martin Lukacs, “Canada becoming launch-pad of a global tar sands and oil shale frenzy”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 190, number 20, page 13
A carbon rod or pencil used in an arc lamp. quotations examples
To trim an arc lamp, first remove the old carbons and carefully and thoroughly wipe the carbon rods, holders, &c. with a clean, dry rag.
1892, English Mechanic and World of Science, page 444
A plate or piece of carbon used as one of the elements of a voltaic battery. examples
(informal) Ellipsis of carbon fiber (reinforced polymer). examples
third-person singular simple present carbons, present participle carboning, simple past and past participle carboned
(Internet, transitive, uncommon) To cause (someone) to receive a carbon copy of an email message. examples