carbon

carbon /car·bon/ (C) (kahr´bon) a chemical element, at. no. 6.

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carbon dioxide  an odorless, colorless gas, CO2, resulting from oxidation of carbon, and formed in the tissues and eliminated by the lungs; used in some pump oxygenators to maintain blood carbon dioxide tension. In solid form it is carbon dioxide snow (see under snow ).

carbon monoxide  an odorless gas, CO, formed by burning carbon or organic fuels with a scanty supply of oxygen; inhalation causes central nervous system damage and asphyxiation by combining irreversibly with blood hemoglobin.

carbon tetrachloride  a clear, colorless, volatile liquid; inhalation of its vapors can depress central nervous system activity and cause degeneration of the liver and kidneys.

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car·bon (kärbn)

n. Symbol C

A nonmetallic element occurring in many inorganic and in all organic compounds, existing as graphite and diamond and as a constituent of coal, limestone, and petroleum, and capable of chemical self-bonding to form a number of important molecules. Atomic number 6.

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carbon,

n a nonmetallic tetravalent element that occurs in pure form in diamonds and graphite. It occurs as a component of all living tissue. Most of the study of organic chemistry focuses on the vast number of carbon compounds.

carbon coated,

adj a vitreous carbon coating applied to either an endosteal or blade implant to improve tissue compatability.

carbon dioxide,

n a colorless, odorless gas produced by the complete oxidation of carbon. It is a product of cell respiration and is carried by the blood to the lungs and exhaled. The acid-base balance of body fluids and tissues is affected by the level of it and its carbonate compounds.

carbon monoxide,

n a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by the combustion of carbon or organic fuels in a limited oxygen supply. It combines irreversibly with hemoglobin, preventing the formation of oxyhemoglobin and reducing the oxygen supply to the tissues.

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carbon

a chemical element, atomic number 6,atomic weight 12.011, symbol C. See Table 6.

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asymmetric carbon atom

one bonded to four different atoms. See also isomer.

carbon fiber

made by the pyrolization of polymer fibers at very high temperatures and used in various forms as soft tissue implants, particularly in tendon and ligament repair.

carbon fixation

see dark reaction.