Carbon (IPA: /ˈkɑː(ɹ)bən/) is a chemical element that has the symbol C and atomic number 6. An abundant nonmetallic, tetravalent element, carbon has several allotropic forms.
The abundance of carbon in the universe, along with the unusual polymer-forming ability of carbon-based compounds at the common temperatures encountered on Earth, make this element the basis of the chemistry of all known life.
The name "carbon" comes from Latin language carbo, coal. In some Romance languages, the word can refer both to the element and to coal.