rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygraphiteSoft form of carbon
noun

graphite

GRAF-yte/ˈɡræfaɪt/

A soft, dark crystalline form of carbon used in pencils.

Graphite leaves dark rubbed streaks beside the pencil.

A dark, flaky graphite specimen beside a sharpened wooden pencil and exposed graphite core, with soft black rubbed streaks visibly connecting the material to pencil marks.
Etymology
graphGreekto write
+iteEnglishmineral-name suffix

The writing root names graphite by its use rather than its composition: it was named because it was used in making pencils. The ending marks it as a mineral.

In context

Leanne Bishop0:45
Despite their name, lead pencils do not actually contain lead. Instead, they are made up of a combination of graphite and clay binder. Graphite is naturally a soft, dark, and shiny medium.
Drawing Basics: Understanding Pencil Grades

More examples

  • The pencil contains graphite rather than lead metal.
  • She shades the drawing with a soft graphite stick.
  • The sample shows graphite's layered structure.

Forms

graphite