carbonite

noun

car·​bon·​ite
ˈkärbəˌnīt
plural -s
1
: a blasting explosive varying greatly in formula but containing among its ingredients a carbonaceous substance (as oak bark), a nitrate, and now usually nitroglycerin
2
[carbon entry 1 + -ite] : a natural coke usually resulting from contact of coal deposits with igneous rock intrusions

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary carbon entry 1 + -ite; originally formed as German karbonit

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Dictionary Entries Near carbonite

Cite this Entry

“Carbonite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbonite. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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