coal

Universal Words noun 1 [U] a hard black mineral that is found below the ground and burnt to produce heat: I put more coal on the fire. * a lump of coal * a coal fire * a coal mine * the coal industry 2 [C] a piece of coal, especially one that is burning: A hot coal fell out of the fire and burnt the carpet. IDIOMS carry, take, etc. coals to Newcastle (BrE) to take goods to a place where there are already plenty of them; to supply sth where it is not needed moreatHAULv., RAKEv.