Graphite
/ˈɡɹæfaɪt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 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. countable, uncountable
"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, […]"
- 2 used as a lubricant and as a moderator in nuclear reactors wordnet
- 3 Graphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for lightweight strength and stiffness. countable, uncountable
"Modern tennis racquets are made of graphite, fibreglass and other man-made materials."
- 4 A grey colour, resembling graphite or the marks made with a graphite pencil. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To apply graphite to. transitive
Example
More examples"The "lead" of the pencil is actually a mixture of graphite, clay and wax with a binder that seals the lead in the wooden shaft."
Etymology
Borrowed from German Graphit (A. G. Werner 1789), from Ancient Greek γράφω (gráphō, “I write”).