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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Carborundum

Carborundum \Car`bo*run"dum\ (k[aum]r`b[-o]*r[u^]n"d[u^]m), [a trade name, from Carbon + corundum.] A beautiful crystalline compound, silicon carbide ( SiC), consisting of carbon and silicon in combination; -- also called carbon silicide. It is made by heating carbon and sand together in an electric furnace. The commercial article is dark-colored and iridescent. It is harder than emery, and is used as an abrasive.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Carborundum

silicon carbide used as an abrasive, (reg. trademark U.S. June 21, 1892, by Carborundum Co. of Monongahela City, Pa.), from carbon + corundum.

Wiktionary
carborundum

n. Crystals of silicon carbide used as an abrasive.

WordNet
carborundum

n. an abrasive composed of silicon carbide crystals

Usage examples of "carborundum".

Her grandfather had invented a process whereby Carborundum particles could be attached to fabric, producing an excellent abrasive for use in manufacturing, but since he was unusually cautious in financial affairs, he missed his opportunity to convert his small operation into a massive corporation the way some of the other Worcester Swedes did, but his four patents were so original and so carefully protected that he and his descendants did collect gratifying royalties from the big combines.

In fact, the dragons already were much stronger than similar equines, their basic structure much more durable, utilizing carborundums for strength and resilience.