atomic number 6, carbon, C - an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds

fossil fuel - fuel consisting of the remains of organisms preserved in rocks in the earth's crust with high carbon and hydrogen content

anthracite, anthracite coal, hard coal - a hard natural coal that burns slowly and gives intense heat

bituminous coal, soft coal - rich in tarry hydrocarbons; burns readily with a smoky yellow flame

brown coal, lignite, wood coal - intermediate between peat and bituminous coal

steam coal - coal suitable for use under steam boilers

vegetable matter - matter produced by plants or growing in the manner of a plant

fragment - a piece broken off or cut off of something else; "a fragment of rock"

combust, burn - cause to burn or combust; "The sun burned off the fog"; "We combust coal and other fossil fuels"

furnish, provide, supply, render - provide or furnish with; "We provided the room with an electrical heater"

gather in, take in - fold up; "take in the sails"