■ noun
1》 the chemical element of atomic number 6, a non-metal which has two main forms (diamond and graphite), occurs in impure form in charcoal, soot, and coal, and is present in all organic compounds. (Symbol: C )
2》 a rod of ~ in an arc lamp.
3》 a piece of ~ paper, or a ~ copy.
Derivatives
~aceous adjective
~less adjective
Origin
C18: from Fr. ~e , from L. carbo , ~- 'coal, charcoal'.