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

Its cathode is made of sulfur embedded in a carbon matrix that conducts electricity, and the anode is made primarily of lithium itself, rather than graphite layers with lithium in between. —Golareh Jalilvand, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025

With a Black/Black/Light Graphite color combination, the style blacks out the entire nubuck leather upper with lighter graphite accents on the tongue and insole branding. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2025

The community is in the graphite. —Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025

Using porous graphite felt and enhanced heat transfer, gas released from the resin escapes while a vacuum system removes it, allowing crowns to survive the process without cracking. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Graphit, from Greek graphein to write

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graphite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

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