graphite
UK/'græfait/US
TOEFLGREC1
Definitions
n.
A soft, dark grey form of carbon used in pencil leads and as a lubricant.
石墨，一种柔软的深灰色碳，用于铅笔芯和润滑剂。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedgraph (write) + -ite (mineral) = 'the writing mineral.' Named in 1789 precisely because this is what we write with — pencil 'lead' is really graphite, not lead at all.
Root graph still carries 34 more wordsWhy It Means This
Graphite is the one 'thing' in the family rather than a record or a field. The German chemist Werner coined it from graphein, 'to write,' because the soft mineral leaves a dark mark on paper — it is, literally, the substance you write with.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Pencil leads are made of graphite mixed with clay.
- 2.
Graphite is also used to lubricate locks.