v. [f. CARBON + -IZE.]
1. trans. To convert into mere carbon; to reduce to charcoal or coke.
1806. Hatchett, in Phil. Trans., XCVI. 131, note. Caoutchouc and elastic bitumen were only superficially carbonized by the sulphuric acid.
1816. J. Laurence, in Monthly Mag., XLII. 298. Diamond we can carbonize that precious gem, and prove it to be charcoal.
1870. F. L. Pope, Electr. Telegraph, iv. (1872), 445. A flash of atmospheric electricity also frequently carbonizes the paper between the plates.
2. To carburet or carburize. arch.
1808. [see CARBONIZED].
1875. Ure, Dict. Arts, III. 899. (Steel) The combination of the carbon with the iron extends from one lamina to another until the whole is carbonized.
3. To cover with charcoal, lamp black, etc.
See CARBONIZED.
Hence Carbonizing vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
1867. Morning Star, 7 Aug., 5. The men employed in the carbonising departments in the gas factories.