carbon 14: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “carbon 14” mean?
A radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic mass of 14, used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic mass of 14, used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials.
A scientific term referring specifically to the isotope carbon-14 (¹⁴C), which is naturally produced in the atmosphere and incorporated into living organisms. Its predictable decay rate allows archaeologists and geologists to date specimens up to approximately 50,000–60,000 years old.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically in scientific literature.
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific academic and scientific fields.
Grammar
How to Use “carbon 14” in a Sentence
The [noun] was dated using carbon 14.Carbon 14 analysis revealed the [noun]'s age.The level of carbon 14 in the sample was measured.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carbon 14” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The carbon-14 dating method is standard.
- They conducted a carbon 14 analysis.
American English
- The carbon-14 dating technique is reliable.
- We need a carbon 14 measurement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in archaeology, anthropology, geology, and chemistry papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare; might be encountered in documentaries or popular science articles.
Technical
The primary context of use, in laboratory reports, research methodologies, and scientific discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carbon 14”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carbon 14”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carbon 14”
- Writing as 'carbon fourteen' in formal texts instead of 'carbon-14' or 'carbon 14'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They carbon 14-ed the bone').
- Confusing it with other dating methods like potassium-argon dating.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Carbon 14 decays into nitrogen 14 through beta decay.
It is formed in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen atoms.
Approximately 5,730 years.
No, it can only be used on materials that were once part of a living organism, such as wood, bone, or cloth.
A radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic mass of 14, used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials.
Carbon 14 is usually technical/scientific in register.
Carbon 14: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɑː.bən ˈfɔː.tiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːr.bən ˈfɔːr.tiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Carbon' as the element and '14' as its 'age detective' number. Carbon-14 is the detective isotope that helps solve the mystery of 'how old?'
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATURAL CLOCK or HISTORICAL STOPWATCH embedded in organic matter.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary use of carbon 14?