graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgra-ˌfīt 

1

: a soft black lustrous form of carbon that conducts electricity and is used in lead pencils and electrolytic anodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

2

: a composite material in which carbon fibers are the reinforcing material

graphitic

gra-ˈfi-tik 

adjective

Examples of graphite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using natural oxide pigments and graphite, Pacheco depicts a clash between Meso-American and Spanish cultures, with references to the working-class culture of his parents and masters of Mexican art like Diego Rivera. —Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 10 Feb. 2025

Regardless of origin, most critical metals will at some point pass through China, which controls more than half of global refining capacity for cobalt, graphite (another battery ingredient), and lithium, and almost as much for nickel and copper. —Vince Beiser, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

On top of that, China is also the world’s largest producer of graphite and titanium, and a major processor of lithium. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025

Those steps include investing more than $1 billion in companies making graphite and lithium, as well as deals with South Korea’s LG Chem to produce cathodes for it in Tennessee. —Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Graphit, from Greek graphein to write

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt 

: a soft shiny black carbon that is used in making lead pencils and as a dry lubricant

Medical Definition

graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt 

: carbon of a soft black lustrous form that conducts electricity and is used in lead pencils and electrolytic anodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

called also plumbago

graphitic

gra-ˈfit-ik 

adjective