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

Watch 8 is available in graphite or silver. —PC Magazine, 17 Nov. 2025

Choose from graphite, navy, or brick designs on an ivory background. —Ginger Perra, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2025

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

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