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

On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry, anise, black olive and graphite appear, wrapped in concentrated velvety tannins. —Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

The Trump Administration has also declared its intent to seize control of Greenland—rich in minerals like zinc and graphite—and push for a deal that would give the U.S. a major stake in Ukraine’s natural resources. —Simmone Shah, Time, 16 Apr. 2025

Researchers grew a synthetic diamond that’s harder than natural ones by heating and compressing graphite in such a way that the diamond is formed with a hexagonal lattice, rather than the cubic shape found in nature. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Each of these timepieces comes with a matt alligator leather strap crafted in accordance with Hermès leatherworking skills: abyss blue for the white gold and blue titanium version; graphite for the other two. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 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