noun / verb
pencil
PEN-sul/ˈpensl/
A writing or drawing tool with a solid marking core.
The sharpened pencil exposes the dark graphite core that makes its marks.
Etymology
The “little tail” named a fine hair brush used for painting and writing. The brush's name was later transferred to the graphite writing tool.
In context
HB stands for hard and black. It's located in the middle of the graphite scale and is the most commonly used pencil for writing as it's dark enough to read, less likely to smudge, and easy to erase.
More examples
- This mechanical pencil needs more lead.
- He penciled a note in the margin.
- I'll pencil you in for Tuesday, pending confirmation.
Forms
pencil · pencils · penciled · penciling