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graphite
(graf′īt′)
noun
a very soft, black, hexagonal mineral of pure carbon, formed in thin plates and found in metamorphic rocks: used in making electrodes, paints, the lead of pencils, etc.
Origin: Ger graphit < Gr graphein, to write (see graphic): from its use as writing material
Related Forms:
- graphitic adjective
See graphite in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A soft, steel-gray to black, hexagonally crystallized allotrope of carbon with a metallic luster and a greasy feel, used in lead pencils, lubricants, paints, and coatings, that is fabricated into a variety of forms such as molds, bricks, electrodes, crucibles, and rocket nozzles. Also called black lead, plumbago.
Origin:
Origin: Greek graphein, to write; see gerbh- in Indo-European roots
Origin: + -ite1
.Related Forms:
- gra·phitˈic (gră-fĭtˈĭk) adjective
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