an electric arc between two carbon electrodes, used mainly for lighting, as in an arc light for a motion-picture projector, or for intense heating, as in the cutting and welding of metals.
Origin
1905-10
British Dictionary definitions for carbon arc
carbon arc
noun
1.
an electric arc produced between two carbon electrodes, formerly used as a light source
(as modifier): carbon-arc light
2.
an electric arc produced between a carbon electrode and material to be welded