Carbonizable

/ˈkɑːrbənaɪzəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being converted into carbon or a carbon compound through heating or chemical treatment.

Etymology

From carbonize + -able (suffix meaning 'capable of' or 'worthy of'). The -able suffix comes from Latin and French, indicating potential or possibility.

Kelly Says

Almost any organic material—wood, bone, sugar—is carbonizable, which is why medieval alchemists obsessed over turning things to ash and carbon; they were accidentally discovering the basics of modern chemistry.

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