from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.] carborundum cloth