anthracite

noun

an·​thra·​cite ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsīt 

: 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

ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈsi-tik 

adjective

Examples of anthracite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its organic palette can vary from warm grays and deep anthracites to rich browns and, more rarely, milky whites. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026

Water is then filtered through physical barriers like sand, grit and anthracite, which separate microscopic particles from the water. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026

Gray, especially in anthracite and charcoal, is ideal for lending drama to nails while keeping them relatively neutral. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026

Juzėnaitė suggests looking at anthracite, graphite, and other tones that are nearly black. —Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for anthracite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

anthracite

noun

an·​thra·​cite ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsīt 

: a hard glossy coal that burns without much smoke or flame