Graphite
/ˈɡræfaɪt/
Definitions
A soft, gray form of carbon used in pencils, lubricants, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors.
/ˈɡræfaɪt/
A crystalline form of carbon used in pencils and lubricants.
The artist preferred a 2B graphite pencil for shading.
💡 Simply: Graphite is the stuff inside your pencil that leaves marks on paper. It's like a super soft, gray crayon!
👶 For kids: Graphite is the stuff inside a pencil that makes the dark lines when you write or draw.
More Examples
Graphite is an excellent lubricant for locks and hinges.
Nuclear reactors use graphite to slow down neutrons.
How It's Used
"Graphite is a good conductor of electricity."
"The artist used a soft graphite pencil to create the portrait."
"Graphite is used in crucibles due to its high melting point."
From German 'Graphit', from Greek 'gráphein' meaning 'to write', because it leaves a mark like a pencil.
Graphite's use in pencils dates back to the 16th century when a large deposit of graphite was discovered in England. This discovery led to its widespread use for writing.
Memory tip
Think of the 'graph' that pencils make – that's graphite!