Carbides are compounds that consist of carbon and another element, typically a metal. There are several synonyms for this word, including carburet, carbonitride, and carbonide. Carbides are known for their hardness and strength, which makes them useful in a variety of applications, such as tool making, manufacturing, and construction. They are also used in the production of certain alloys, including steel, and can play a crucial role in the production of certain types of energy. Overall, carbides are an important category of compounds that have a wide range of practical uses in both industry and science.