coal

coal · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A black or dark brown combustible sedimentary rock formed from plant matter.

  2. 2.

    A piece of this rock used as fuel.

  3. 3.

    A glowing or charred piece of wood or other fuel.

Forms

plural: coals

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    carry coals to Newcastle — to do something unnecessary
  • •
    haul/rake someone over the coals — to reprimand severely
  • •
    hot coals — embers
  • •
    coal mine — a mine where coal is extracted
  • •
    black as coal — very dark

Related words

See also: charcoal, energy, fuel, mine
Synonyms: charcoal, cinder, ember

Etymology

From Old English "col" meaning charcoal or coal, from Proto-Germanic "*kulą."