charcoal

char-coal · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A porous black carbon material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air.

  2. 2.

    Sticks of this material used for drawing.

  3. 3.

    A dark gray color resembling charcoal.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    charcoal grill — a grill that uses charcoal as fuel
  • •
    activated charcoal — charcoal treated to increase its absorbency
  • •
    charcoal gray/grey — a dark gray color

Related words

See also: carbon, coal, drawing, fuel
Synonyms: carbon, coke

Etymology

From Middle English charcole, likely from charren ("to turn") + cole ("coal"). The "char" element may be related to "char" meaning to burn partially, creating carbon residue.