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Definition of graphite
graphite
/ˈɡræf.aɪt/
graph · ite
Plural:graphites
•Adjective:graphitic
•Past Simple:graphited
•Past Participle:graphited
•Present Participle:graphiting
graphite Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
graphite Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A gray, crystalline, allotropic form of carbon that is highly conductive and soft, widely used as a solid lubricant, in lead pencils, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors.
Example
"The artist preferred sketching with pure graphite rather than charcoal to achieve finer details."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for graphite• verb
1
To treat, coat, or rub with graphite (especially in order to lubricate a mechanism or protect a surface).
Example
"The mechanic decided to graphite the seized lock mechanism to ensure the key would turn smoothly."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for graphite• Rhymes for graphite
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1789 by German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner from the Greek 'graphein' (to write) and the mineral suffix '-ite', reflecting its primary historical use as the core of pencils.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Graphite. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/graphite