Carbon cycle

/ˈkɑrbən ˈsaɪkəl/ noun

The biogeochemical cycle that describes how carbon moves between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms through processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion. It includes both short-term biological processes and long-term geological processes.

From Latin 'carbo' meaning 'charcoal' or 'coal' and Greek 'kyklos' meaning 'circle.' The concept developed in the 19th century as scientists began understanding how carbon moved through different Earth systems.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb