Definition of lignite
: a usually brownish black coal intermediate between peat and bituminous coal; especially : one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct —called also brown coal
Explore Merriam-Webster
Recent Examples of lignite from the Web
-
The bucket-wheel excavator is twice as long as a soccer field and as tall as a 30-story building, and digs up 30 million tons of lignite per year.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lignite'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of lignite
French, from Latin lignum
First Known Use: circa 1808
Learn More about lignite
-
See words that rhyme with lignite Spanish Central: Translation of lignite Nglish: Translation of lignite for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lignite for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lignite
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up lignite? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!