graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgra-ˌfīt How to pronounce graphite (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of graphite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The headband contains 20 cooling units, each of which consists of nine mini-towers of porous and heat-conducting graphite. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024 As part of those talks, senior U.S. officials have been working with their Japanese counterparts on a strategy to ensure adequate supplies of critical minerals, some of the people said, especially since China imposed restrictions on the exports of gallium, germanium and graphite last year. Mahnoor Khan, Fortune Asia, 2 Sep. 2024 Some hybrids also use cooling agents in their foam layers, like gel and graphite. Renee Cherry, SELF, 30 Sep. 2024 The International Energy Agency estimates that 90% of graphite and 77% of refined rare earths — key inputs in EV and battery production— will come from China by 2030. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for graphite 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'graphite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Graphit, from Greek graphein to write

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of graphite was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near graphite

Cite this Entry

“Graphite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphite. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

graphite

noun
graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt How to pronounce graphite (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce graphite (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on graphite

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