1. An abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds
   "Carbon, atomic number 6, is the basis of all known life"; "C, atomic number 6, is the basis of all known life";
   - carbon, C

Type of: nonmetal

Part of: black gold [informal], coal, crude, crude oil, fossil oil, limestone, oil, petroleum, rock oil

Encyclopedia: Atomic number 6