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

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

China remains a key supplier of minerals to the U.S., ranking second only to Canada in overall net import reliance, and is the principal import source for many of the 50 minerals America considers critical, such as graphite, tantalum and rubidium. —John Feng, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025

Their graphite production in 2019 (pre-COVID and pre-war) was 20,000 metric tons – less than 2 percent of global production. —Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Among them are thought to be significant deposits of lithium, titanium, copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite and uranium. —David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Feb. 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