Graphite Meaning

/ˈɡɹæfaɪt/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

nounAn 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.

nounGraphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for lightweight strength and stiffness.

Two kinds of lubricant are used on a bicycle--oil and graphite.
Only oil of the best quality and pure graphite should be used.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The pencil's core is made of ____, which leaves a gray mark on paper.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The lead in a standard pencil is actually a mixture of ____ and clay, not actual metallic lead.

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gerbʰ- Proto-Hellenic *grə́pʰō Ancient Greek γράφω (gráphō) Proto-Indo-European *-tósder. Ancient Greek -της (-tēs)der. Ancient Greek -ῑ́της (-ī́tēs)der. Latin -ītēsbor. French -itebor. German -it German Graphitbor. English graphite Borrowed from German Graphit (A. G. Werner 1789), from Ancient Greek γράφω (gráphō, “to write”).

"Technical terms like ferrite, perlite, graphite, and hardenite were bandied to and fro, and when Paget glibly brought out such a rare exotic as ferro-molybdenum, Benson forgot that he was a master ship-builder, […]" — 1928, Lawrence R. Bourne, chapter 4, in Well Tackled!:

Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The pencil's core is made of ____, which leaves a gray mark on paper.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The lead in a standard pencil is actually a mixture of ____ and clay, not actual metallic lead.

Expand Your Vocabulary with LexUp

Master English words using smart flashcards, play exciting word rounds, and compete with other learners worldwide.

Browse CEFR Words Alphabetically