carbon 12

noun

: an isotope of carbon of mass number 12 that is the most abundant carbon isotope and is used as a standard for measurements of atomic weight

Examples of carbon 12 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Measuring the extent to which multiple carbon 13 atoms (a rare, stable form of carbon with an extra neutron) replace carbon 12 (the most common form of carbon) in a particular molecule, for instance, can tell researchers about the temperature when the compound formed. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 15 June 2023 Carbon has two stable isotopes, measured as either carbon 12 or carbon 13. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 17 Jan. 2022 By controlling the magnetic field and other conditions inside the cannon, the researchers cause the carbon 14 atoms to veer away from the carbon 12 atoms and other elements. Carl Zimmer, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2020 Scientists can look at the amount of carbon 12 and--based on the ratio-- deduce how much carbon 14 was originally present. James Shreeve, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbon 12 was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Carbon 12.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%2012. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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