How to pronounce carborundum
Say it like kar-buh-RUHN-dum. Carborundum has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce carborundum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kar
- buh
- RUHN
- dum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carborundum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- karGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- dumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of carborundum
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kah-buh-RUHN-dum.
What does carborundum mean?
- Crystals of silicon carbide used as an abrasive.
Where does carborundum come from?
Blend of carbon + corundum; originally a trade name.
Questions about saying carborundum
How do you pronounce carborundum?
Say kar-buh-RUHN-dum. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑrbəˈrʌndəm/. In British English it is /ˌkɑːbəˈrʌndəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carborundum?
Carborundum has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RUHN). Broken into parts: kar · buh · RUHN · dum.
Is carborundum pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌkɑːbəˈrʌndəm/ (kah-buh-RUHN-dum).