graphite

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) An allotrope of carbon, consisting of planes of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal arrays with the planes stacked loosely, that is used as a dry lubricant, in "lead" pencils, and as a moderator in some nuclear reactors.
2. (countable, uncountable) Graphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for lightweight strength and stiffness.
3. (countable, uncountable) A grey colour, resembling graphite or the marks made with a graphite pencil.

Verb

To apply graphite to.

Synonyms

plumbago

black lead

lead

plumbagine

plumbaginous

graphitic

black-chalk

glass putty

blacklead

lead powder

carbon

whiting

Translations

Graphit

graphite

grafito

grafite

γραφίτης

grafiet

grafite

grafit

grafita

grafit

plombagina

piombaggine

plumbago

plombagine

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɡɹæfaɪt/

Etymology

Borrowed from German Graphit (A. G. Werner 1789), from Ancient Greek γράφω (gráphō, “I write”).