From Old English 'col' (glowing ember), from Proto-Germanic *kulą — originally any burning ember, later narrowed to mineral coal.
A combustible black or dark brown rock consisting of carbonized plant matter, used as fuel.
From Old English 'col' meaning 'glowing ember, charcoal,' from Proto-Germanic *kulą, from PIE *g(e)u-lo- meaning 'live coal.' Originally meant a burning ember, not the mineral dug from the ground. Key roots: *g(e)u-lo- (PIE: "live