Graphite Meaning
/ˈɡɹæfaɪt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Definition
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.
Sentence Examples
Word Origin & History
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”).