carbene

noun

car·​bene

ˈkärˌbēn

plural -s

1

: one of the components of bitumen soluble in carbon disulfide but insoluble in carbon tetrachloride

—usually used in plural compare asphaltene

2

: any of a class of usually highly reactive chemical compounds containing an uncharged divalent carbon atom that are formed especially as intermediates in chemical reactions

Word History

Etymology

carb- + -ene

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!