carbonize

verb

car·bon·ize | \ ˈkär-bə-ˌnīz

carbonized; carbonizing

Definition of carbonize

transitive verb

1 : to convert into carbon or a carbonic residue

2 : carburize sense 1

intransitive verb

: to become carbonized : char

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Examples of carbonize in a Sentence

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They were carbonized in the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, entombed underground for more than a millennium and discovered 267 years ago — the pages of papyrus fused together like rings of an oak. — Washington Post, "How do you read ancient scrolls too brittle to unfurl? An American scientist may have an answer.," 2 July 2019 Yet the tremendous volcanic heat and gases spewed by Vesuvius carbonized the scrolls, turning them black and hard like lumps of coal. — Henrik Knudsen, Smithsonian, "Buried by the Ash of Vesuvius, These Scrolls Are Being Read for the First Time in Millennia," 26 June 2018 If de-carbonizing energy production is the greatest challenge to humanity, nuclear, which generates roughly the same carbon output per energy unit as solar panels and windmills, will be a major part of the solution. — Charles R. Morris, WSJ, "‘Energy’ Review: The Path to Power," 21 June 2018 Can California, home to the world’s sixth-largest economy, essentially de-carbonize its entire electric grid in the space of 28 years? — Rob Nikolewski, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Can California really hit a 100% renewable energy target?," 9 June 2017 As your bread is carbonizing, assess your fridge for toppings. — Maggie Lange, Bon Appetit, "Weird Toast Will Save You When You Don't Know What To Eat," 24 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'carbonize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.