anthracite

noun

an·​thra·​cite ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsīt How to pronounce anthracite (audio)
: a hard natural coal of high luster differing from bituminous coal in containing little volatile matter and in burning very cleanly

called also hard coal

anthracitic adjective

Examples of anthracite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The meticulous anthracite finishing adorned with horizontal stripes, visible through the case back. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Santa tells me clumps of anthracite will likely pile as high as Poseidon’s belly button. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 23 Dec. 2023 When illuminated by the crowd of photographers’ flashes, the dress mimicked anthracite. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2023 The divider between the living space and kitchen-dining area is a long fireplace complete with glass and anthracite stone. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 1 May 2023 Last but not least, the watch comes with an interchangeable anthracite textile strap that borrows its design from a rope, a tool that no mountaineer can do without. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2023 The strap is available in either black rubber or anthracite fabric to give collectors a little more versatility. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2023 It’s equipped with a modern version of the brand’s famous Caliber 11 movement and has a leather anthracite strap with a texture similar to the grooves of a racing tire. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2021 The two had collaborated on a series a couple of years ago, and these new ceramic pieces — a sconce, table lamp, floor lamp, and pendant — are made in dark hues inspired by natural materials like anthracite, terra-cotta, and lapis lazuli. Diana Budds, Curbed, 17 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anthracite.' 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

borrowed from French, borrowed from Greek anthrakītid-, anthrakîtis "a kind of coal," from anthrak-, ánthrax "charcoal, coal" + -ītid-, -ītis, feminine noun suffix of appurtenance — more at anthrax

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthracite was in 1797

Dictionary Entries Near anthracite

Cite this Entry

“Anthracite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthracite. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anthracite

noun
an·​thra·​cite ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsīt How to pronounce anthracite (audio)
: a hard glossy coal that burns without much smoke or flame

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