graphite

noun

graph·​ite ˈgra-ˌfīt How to pronounce graphite (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of graphite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The finish is long and slightly savory, with lingering notes of black fruit and a touch of graphite. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 In the case of graphite, a material found in nearly every battery today, China controls processing of greater than 95% of the global battery-grade market. Keith Norman, Fortune, 18 July 2025 Some sets come with conte crayons, which are a combination of graphite, clay, charcoal and pigment. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 June 2025 In batteries, for example, China has mined 68% of the graphite needed, refined 60% of the world's lithium and 72% of cobalt used globally, according to a U.S. Congressional report citing data from 2019. Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao,sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for graphite

Word History

Etymology

German Graphit, from Greek graphein to write

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of graphite was in 1796

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Graphite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graphite. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

graphite

noun
graph·​ite ˈgraf-ˌīt How to pronounce graphite (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce graphite (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on graphite

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