carbazole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

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UK/ˈkɑː.bə.zəʊl/US/ˈkɑːr.bə.zoʊl/

Technical/Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “carbazole” mean?

A white crystalline compound with a tricyclic molecular structure, derived from coal tar and used in the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A white crystalline compound with a tricyclic molecular structure, derived from coal tar and used in the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals.

The base chemical structure that forms the core of various synthetic compounds and organic electronic materials, such as those used in OLED technology and photoactive polymers.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation may vary slightly as per IPA. Spelling is identical.

Connotations

None beyond its technical meaning.

Frequency

Equally rare and specialised in both dialects, encountered only in relevant technical fields.

Grammar

How to Use “carbazole” in a Sentence

[determiner] + carbazole + [prepositional phrase: of/for/in][adjective] + carbazolecarbazole + [verb: is used/derived/forms]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
carbazole derivativescarbazole-basedpolycarbazolevinyl carbazolecarbazole ring
medium
synthesis of carbazolecarbazole unitcarbazole moietycarbazole chemistry
weak
high purity carbazolecommercial carbazolecarbazole solution

Examples

Examples of “carbazole” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The carbazole-containing polymer showed excellent luminescence.
  • They studied the carbazole-derived pigments.

American English

  • The carbazole-based OLED was highly efficient.
  • We need a carbazole-functionalised monomer.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Might appear in procurement lists, chemical market reports, or patents for specialty chemicals.

Academic

Central term in organic chemistry, polymer science, and materials engineering research papers and textbooks.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

The primary domain. Used in synthetic procedures, material specifications, and structural discussions of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and organic semiconductors.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “carbazole”

Neutral

9-azafluorenediphenyleneimide

Weak

heterocyclic compoundtricyclic amine

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “carbazole”

  • Misspelling as 'carbazol' (missing the final 'e').
  • Incorrect stress on the first syllable ('CAR-bazole') in English.
  • Using it as a general term for any dye or pharmaceutical ingredient.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is found naturally in coal tar but is also synthesised in the laboratory for commercial and research purposes.

Its primary uses are as a precursor for dyes (like Hydron Blue), pigments, pharmaceuticals (e.g., certain anti-inflammatory drugs), and in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

As with many industrial chemicals, it requires careful handling. Safety data sheets (SDS) classify it as potentially hazardous, causing skin and eye irritation, and it may be toxic if ingested or inhaled.

Directly, no. However, you may indirectly encounter products made from it, such as certain deep-blue dyes in textiles or components in high-end electronic displays.

A white crystalline compound with a tricyclic molecular structure, derived from coal tar and used in the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals.

Carbazole is usually technical/scientific in register.

Carbazole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.bə.zəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːr.bə.zoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: CAR (from coal tar, a source) + BAZOLE (sounds like 'basal' or 'base' – it's a basic chemical structure).

Conceptual Metaphor

A BUILDING BLOCK or SCAFFOLD: Carbazole serves as a foundational structure upon which more complex molecules are constructed.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The bright blue dye was synthesised using a derivative as the key intermediate.
Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'carbazole' most commonly used?