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

Sodium, on the other hand, cannot be stored in graphite. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026

Market demand for minerals like graphite, cobalt, nickel and nickel is expected to increase by up to 60% by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. —Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

However, Greenland is rich in rare earth minerals, including neodymium, dysprosium, graphite, copper and lithium. —Steven Lamy, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

Greenland has mineral deposits of key minerals, including graphite, copper, nickel, zinc, tungsten and lithium, all used for making modern technology. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 22 Jan. 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