n.1 a an amorphous form of carbon consisting of a porous black residue from partially burnt wood, bones, etc. b (usu. in pl.) a piece of this used for drawing.
2 a drawing in charcoal.
3 (in full charcoal grey) a dark grey colour.
Phrases and idioms:
charcoal biscuit a biscuit containing wood-charcoal to aid digestion.
Etymology: ME COAL charcoal: first element perh. chare turn (cf. CHAR(1), CHAR(2))