1. to convert or be converted into carbon or a carbon residue by heating
2. to coat or impregnate with carbon
Usage: technical

Examples

• The intense heat carbonizes the wood into charcoal.
• When paper burns completely, it carbonizes and turns black.
• The factory carbonizes organic materials to produce activated carbon.
• High temperatures carbonize the sugar, creating a bitter taste.
• The process carbonizes plant matter over thousands of years.
• Lightning can carbonize tree branches it strikes.
• The furnace carbonizes coal to remove impurities.