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

The fridge has a light-diffusing reeded glass door and comes in eight colors including cream, yellow, graphite, and icy or electric blue. —Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026

There are not a lot of options for those who prefer charcoal, graphite or pens. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026

This can be achieved thanks to a battery with a new chemistry that blends silicon oxide with graphite for the anodes, enabling a usable capacity of 122kWh. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Apr. 2026

Solar panels, wind turbines and batteries need key minerals such as cobalt, lithium, graphite and rare earth elements. —Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026

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