activated carbon

noun Chemistry.

a form of carbon having very fine pores: used chiefly for adsorbing gases or solutes, as in various filter systems for purification, deodorization, and decolorization.
Also called activated charcoal.

Origin of activated carbon

First recorded in 1920–25

Words nearby activated carbon

actions speak louder than words, actis, actium, activate, activated alumina, activated carbon, activated charcoal, activated mine, activated resin, activated sludge, activation analysis

British Dictionary definitions for activated charcoal

activated carbon

noun

a porous highly adsorptive form of carbon used to remove colour or impurities from liquids and gases, in the separation and extraction of chemical compounds, and in the recovery of solvents Also called: activated charcoal, active carbon

Medical definitions for activated charcoal

activated charcoal
[ ăk′tə-vā′tĭd ]

n.

Finely powdered charcoal treated to increase its adsorptive power; it is used in treating diarrhea, as an antidote, and in purification processes in industry.

Scientific definitions for activated charcoal

activated charcoal
[ ăk′tə-vā′tĭd ]

Highly absorbent carbon obtained by heating granulated charcoal to expel any gases it contains, resulting in a highly porous form with a very large surface area. It is used primarily for purifying gases by adsorption, solvent recovery, or deodorization and as an antidote to certain poisons.