carbide

noun

car·​bide ˈkär-ˌbīd How to pronounce carbide (audio)
1
: a binary compound of carbon with a more electropositive element
especially : calcium carbide
2
: a very hard material made of carbon and one or more heavy metals

Examples of carbide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The case of the Chronograph 1 is constructed from highly scratch-resistant and lightweight titanium carbide known for its durability and resistance to extreme temperatures, a necessity for the icy conditions of the race. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The amount of vanadium carbide and proper heat treatment add to a knife’s ability to keep an edge. Matthew Every, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024 The bit has teeth made of tungsten carbide and cutting elements made of synthetic diamond, mounted on a steel body. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2023 The directional carbide tip is also focused on forward propulsion, and the basket can easily be swapped out to handle different snow conditions. Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2023 This blade is not only equipped with a high-density tungsten carbide teeth, but a rugged anti-kickback shoulder behind each tooth. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 10 Aug. 2023 Just pull the knife through the carbide slot a few times, then repeat with the ceramic side. Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 21 Sep. 2023 The carbide glass breaker proved to be incredibly effective, shattering multiple thick glass bottles after just a few sturdy hits. Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 14 Aug. 2023 Bring hiking poles with carbide tips and microspikes for traction, and always check conditions locally with tourist offices before striking off. Doug Mayer, Outside Online, 15 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carbide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbide was circa 1865

Dictionary Entries Near carbide

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

carbide

noun
car·​bide ˈkär-ˌbīd How to pronounce carbide (audio)
: a compound of carbon with another element

Medical Definition

carbide

noun
car·​bide ˈkär-ˌbīd How to pronounce carbide (audio)
: a binary compound of carbon with a more electropositive element

More from Merriam-Webster on carbide

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