carbonaceous

adjective

car·​bo·​na·​ceous ˌkär-bə-ˈnā-shəs How to pronounce carbonaceous (audio)
1
: relating to, containing, or composed of carbon
2
: rich in carbon

Examples of carbonaceous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The refuse pile consisted of coal waste, carbonaceous shale, and coal ash. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026 Models predict that most meteorites – over half – should also be carbonaceous. — Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025 This represents a technical shift in how researchers design carbonaceous anodes for energy applications. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025 Similarly, carbonaceous asteroids are known to contain hydrated minerals. — Leonard David, Space.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for carbonaceous

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbonaceous was in 1727

Rhymes for carbonaceous

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Browse Nearby Words

carbona
carbonaceous
carbonado
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Cite this Entry

“Carbonaceous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbonaceous. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

carbonaceous

adjective
car·​bo·​na·​ceous ˌkär-bə-ˈnā-shəs How to pronounce carbonaceous (audio)
: relating to, containing, or made up of carbon
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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