an electric arc produced between two carbon electrodes, formerly used as a light source
b.
(as modifier)
carbon-arc light
2.
a.
an electric arc produced between a carbon electrode and material to be welded
b.
(as modifier)
carbon-arc welding
carbon arc in American English
noun
an electric arc between two carbon electrodes, used mainly for lighting, as in an arc light for a motion-picture projector, or for intense heating, as in the cutting and welding of metals
Word origin
[1905–10]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Expressionism, one-shot, overcall, stabilizer, thiamine