carbonaceous

adjective

car·​bo·​na·​ceous ˌkär-bə-ˈnā-shəs 

1

: relating to, containing, or composed of carbon

2

: rich in carbon

Examples of carbonaceous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Further examination of light reflected from the comet surface revealed that 3I/ATLAS likely resembles a rare type of meteorite called a carbonaceous chondrite. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025

These samples provide insights into primitive carbonaceous material, the water, and the organic content of early solar system bodies. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025

As such, they and other types of carbonaceous chondrites in general are considered as a possible source of water on Earth and the moon. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Oct. 2025

Beyond hydrogen, the system produces biochar as a byproduct, only 15% by weight of the feedstock—a stable carbonaceous solid that has passed leachability and toxicity tests (TCLP). —David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for carbonaceous

• diatomaceous
• unostentatious
• arenaceous
• argillaceous
• contumacious
• coriaceous
• efficacious
• farinaceous
• foliaceous
• membranaceous
• ochraceous
• olivaceous

Kids Definition

carbonaceous

adjective

car·​bo·​na·​ceous ˌkär-bə-ˈnā-shəs 

: relating to, containing, or made up of carbon