English · Science & Technology
carbon cycle
/ˈkɑː.bən ˈsaɪ.kəl/
[/ˈkɑː.bən ˈsaɪ.kəl/]
movement of carbon
Advancednoun
Definition
The natural process by which carbon moves between the air, living things, oceans, and the ground.
Example
Burning fossil fuels disturbs the carbon cycle by releasing huge amounts of carbon dioxide quickly.
Burning fossil fuels disturbs the carbon cycle by releasing huge amounts of carbon dioxide quickly.
Etymology
Combining 'carbon' (Latin 'carbo', coal) and 'cycle' (Greek 'kyklos', circle).
How & Where It’s Used
Central to understanding climate change and ecosystems.