Graphite
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈɡræfaɪt/
Origin
From German Graphit (A.G. Werner 1789), from Ancient Greek γÏάφω (graphÅ, "I write").
Full definition of graphite
Noun
graphite
(uncountable)- An allotrope of carbon consisting of planes of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal arrays with the planes stacked loosely that is used as a dry lubricant and in "lead" pencils.
- 1928, Lawrence R. Bourne, Well Tackled! Chapter 4, Technical terms like ferrite, perlite, graphite, and hardenite were bandied to and fro, and when Paget glibly brought out such a rare exotic as ferro-molybdenum, Benson forgot that he was a master ship-builder, …
- Short for graphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for light weight strength and stiffness.Modern tennis racquets are made of graphite, fibreglass and other man-made materials.
- A grey colour.
Synonyms
- (allotrope of carbon) plumbago, black lead
- (composite plastic) carbon fiber reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, graphite composite, CFRP, CRP