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
Examples of graphite in a Sentence
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The finish is long and slightly savory, with lingering notes of black fruit and a touch of graphite.
—
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
In the case of graphite, a material found in nearly every battery today, China controls processing of greater than 95% of the global battery-grade market.
—Keith Norman, Fortune, 18 July 2025
Some sets come with conte crayons, which are a combination of graphite, clay, charcoal and pigment.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
In batteries, for example, China has mined 68% of the graphite needed, refined 60% of the world's lithium and 72% of cobalt used globally, according to a U.S. Congressional report citing data from 2019.
—Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao,sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 June 2025
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Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
In the case of graphite, a material found in nearly every battery today, China controls processing of greater than 95% of the global battery-grade market.
—Keith Norman, Fortune, 18 July 2025
Some sets come with conte crayons, which are a combination of graphite, clay, charcoal and pigment.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
In batteries, for example, China has mined 68% of the graphite needed, refined 60% of the world's lithium and 72% of cobalt used globally, according to a U.S. Congressional report citing data from 2019.
—Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao,sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for graphite
Cite this Entry
“Graphite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphite. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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