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Glite Dictionary
carbon arc

carbon arc

1 7.7
Electricity between two carbon rods makes very bright light and strong heat
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑrbən ɑrk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : arco de carbono
  • During the welding process, the technician switched to a carbon arc for better heat control.
  • carbon arc lamp

Examples

  • The lamp-houses were Peerless Magnarc carbon arc lamps, which had been converted to xenon.

    Blog text (8)

  • The carbon arc produced an intense light that was used in early cinema projectors.

  • The old factory used a carbon arc lamp for illumination in its large warehouses.

Synonyms

arc
vscarbon arc
  • Informal
24 7.3

A bright, hot flow of electricity through air like lightning

is the form between carbon electrodes used historically for lighting and welding
electric arc
vscarbon arc
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A bright, very hot flow of electricity across a gap that makes light and heat

is the specific form using carbon electrodes and used for lighting and welding

Surface Forms

carbon arc singular
carbon arcs plural

Morphology

carbon + arc

The phrase is compositionally built from 'carbon' (the element) and 'arc' (an electric discharge), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes an electric arc involving carbon electrodes. The construction is literal and follows common noun-noun compounding patterns (and is cross-linguistically transparent), so the meaning is readily derivable from its parts.

Etymology

The term carbon arc comes from the bright electric arc that jumps between two carbon rods, like a tiny lightning bolt that makes very strong light and heat. So, carbon arc means the electric 'arc' between carbon rods used for lighting, welding, and heating.