Carbide, << KAHR byd, >> is a chemical compound made up of carbon and a metal. Iron carbide consists of carbon and iron. Different amounts of carbon in iron change the properties of the iron. Pig iron, wrought iron, and steel contain different amounts of carbon. Calcium carbide is the source of such industrially important products as acetylene and calcium cyanamide. Silicon carbide, also called Carborundum, is used as an abrasive and to form the cutting edges of tools.
