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

The platform currently supports lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), and graphite materials. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

After the initial duo of all-white and all-black colorways, the mold was employed again in 2024 for a graphite look. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

This project transfers a handwritten family recipe onto a ceramic pie plate using graphite paper and a glass paint marker. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026

The country is a major uranium producer with deposits of lithium, rare earths, copper and graphite. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026

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