graphite
/ˈɡɹæfaɪt/ noun, verb
Forms graphites graphiting graphited
- noun 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.
- noun Graphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for lightweight strength and stiffness. “Modern tennis racquets are made of graphite, fibreglass and other man-made materials.”
- noun A grey colour, resembling graphite or the marks made with a graphite pencil.
- verb (transitive) To apply graphite to.
Synonyms
plumbago black lead carbon fiber reinforced plastic carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer graphite composite CFRP CRP
Etymology
Borrowed from German Graphit (A. G. Werner 1789), from Ancient Greek γράφω (gráphō, “to write”).
Webster’s 1913
- noun Native carbon in hexagonal crystals, also foliated or granular massive, of black color and metallic luster, and so soft as to leave a trace on paper. It is used for pencils (improperly called lead pencils), for crucibles, and as a lubricator, etc. Often called plumbago or black lead. Graphite battery (Elec.), a voltaic battery consisting of zinc and carbon in sulphuric acid, or other exciting liquid.
Etymology [Gr. graphite. See Graphic.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “graphite”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details