carbon cycle

car·bon cy·cle

C c

Definitions of carbon cycle words

noun carbon cycle the circulation of carbon between living organisms and their surroundings. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is synthesized by plants into plant tissue, which is ingested and metabolized by animals and converted to carbon dioxide again during respiration and decay 3
noun carbon cycle four thermonuclear reactions believed to be the source of energy in many stars. Carbon nuclei function as catalysts in the fusion of protons to form helium nuclei 3
noun carbon cycle the cycle by which plants through photosynthesis use atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates, which are in turn metabolized by animals to decomposition products that return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere 3
noun carbon cycle a cyclic series of thermonuclear reactions in the interior of some stars, involving carbon as a catalyst and producing large quantities of energy by the transformation of hydrogen into helium 3
noun carbon cycle Ecology. the circulation of carbon atoms in the biosphere as a result of photosynthetic conversion of carbon dioxide into complex organic compounds by plants, which are consumed by other organisms: the carbon returns to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide as a result of respiration, decay by fungi, bacteria, etc., and combustion of fossil fuels. 1
noun carbon cycle Astrophysics. a cycle of nuclear transformations in the interiors of the stars by means of which hydrogen is gradually converted into helium with the release of nuclear energy. 1

before 1910

One of the 15% newest English words

First recorded in 1910-15

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This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 7% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.

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