graphite

noun

graph·ite ˈgra-ˌfīt

: 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

: a composite material in which carbon fibers are the reinforcing material

graphitic

gra-ˈfi-tik

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Graphene is made up of thin layers of carbon, which outperforms graphite as a conductor of electricity. —

IEEE Spectrum, 18 May 2023 Other materials will be phased out or minimized: using copper instead of silver in solar panels, using artificial graphite in batteries, and eliminating rare earths from wind turbines. —

Dan Murtaugh, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Apr. 2023 Squirt some graphite into both sides of each wheel before inserting the axle. —

Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 12 Jan. 2023 Watches are available in aluminum cases in Midnight, Starlight, silver, and (Product)Red, and in stainless steel in silver, gold, and graphite. —

Samuel Axon And Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 7 Sep. 2022 Last year, when the federal government considered letting exemptions for tariffs on Chinese graphite products expire, domestic automakers (including Tesla) fiercely protested. —

Wired, 17 Aug. 2022 That same day, Mr. Manchin and several Republican senators sent Mr. Biden a letter urging him to invoke the Defense Production Act to help domestic production and processing of several minerals, including lithium and graphite. —

Timothy Puko And Tarini Parti, WSJ, 30 Mar. 2022 Casper has a graphite layer in the mattress construction which is meant to conduct heat to the outside of the mattress. —

Stephen Wunker, Forbes, 1 Sep. 2021 The quick-rebounding qualities give graphite rods a faster action, and more fish-fighting power. —

Morgan Lyle, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 See More

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

German Graphit, from Greek graphein to write

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of graphite was in 1796

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Graphite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphite. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

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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