rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: carbo
Latin

carbo

coal or charcoal

Forms

  • carbo
  • carbon- — The longer form used before Latin endings.

Origin

An old Latin word of uncertain deeper origin.

Note

The element-name carbon reflects charcoal as a familiar form of the substance.

2 / 3
verb

carbonate

To infuse a liquid with carbon dioxide gas.

The machine carbonates the water before filling the bottles.

Etymology
carbonLatincoal or charcoal
+ateEnglishmake, become, or act upon

Latin carbo supplied the element name carbon. The verb’s ending indicates treatment, and carbonating a drink specifically adds the carbon-containing gas carbon dioxide to produce dissolved gas and bubbles.

More examples

  • They carbonate the drink to give it fizz.
  • The beverage is lightly carbonated.
  • The factory adjusts how much gas it uses when carbonating soda.

Forms

carbonate · carbonates · carbonated · carbonating

Similar words

aerate
Introduces air rather than specifically carbon dioxide.
fizz
Describes bubbling rather than the process of adding gas.