About
炭 designates charcoal, coal, or the chemical element carbon. It is a phonosemantic compound: the fire radical 火 gives the meaning, and 岸 (àn) supplies the sound. In its modern form, 山 (mountain) sits above 灰 (ash), which contains 火, visually suggesting the burning of mountain wood to produce charcoal. Originally referring to wood charcoal for heating and cooking, the term later extended to mineral coal mined from the earth and became the standard scientific name for the element carbon.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我们烧炭取暖。
炭火很温暖。
工厂需要很多煤炭。
他用炭笔画了一幅画。
炭烤的食物很美味。
这种炭燃烧时间很长。
煤炭工业对环境有影响。
科学家在研究清洁炭技术。
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