carbonate
KAR-buh-nayt
/ˈkɑːrbəneɪt/
To dissolve carbon dioxide gas in a liquid, typically under pressure, to make it fizzy.
Can occur naturally through fermentation or artificially via a pressurized tank.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to the Latin 'carbo', as carbon dioxide was originally identified as a gas produced by burning charcoal.
Word relationships
- aerate: Aerate means to introduce air, whereas carbonate specifically introduces carbon dioxide.
- flatten: To remove the carbonation from a drink.
Commonly confused with
- carburize: Carburize is a metallurgical process of increasing the carbon content of steel.
Word family
- carbonation (noun): The state of being carbonated.
Collocations
- highly carbonated
- naturally carbonated
- carbonate water
Example sentences
- "The factory uses high-pressure tanks to carbonate the soda before it is bottled." The soft drink manufacturing process.
- "Champagne is unique because it is allowed to carbonate naturally inside the bottle." Natural carbonation in wine.
Memory hook
Think of 'Carbon' bubbles in a 'Crate' of soda. Carbon bubbles.
When not to use
Do not use for bubbles caused by boiling; carbonation is specifically about CO2 gas.
Fun facts
- Joseph Priestley, the man who discovered oxygen, also invented the first drinkable glass of carbonated water in 1767.
Related words
Explore more words
ferment, aeration, acidify, fermentation, effervescent, artificial
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