Definition of graphite Graphite

/gɹæˈfajˌt/ - [grafayt] - graph•ite

We found 9 definitions of graphite from 7 different sources.

What does graphite mean?

Noun Plural: graphites
graphite - used as a lubricant and as a moderator in nuclear reactors
		black lead, plumbago
		atomic number 6, carbon, c a copy made with carbon paper
		pencil lead, lead the playing of a card to start a trick in bridge; "the lead was in the dummy"

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graphite (Noun)
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.
graphite (Noun)
Short for graphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for light weight strength and stiffness.
graphite (Noun)
A grey colour.

graphite (n.)
Native carbon in hexagonal crystals, also foliated or granular massive, of black color and metallic luster, and so soft as to leave a trace on paper. It is used for pencils (improperly called lead pencils), for crucibles, and as a lubricator, etc. Often called plumbago or black lead.

graphite
An allotrope of carbon consisting of planes of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal arrays with the planes stacked loosely.

graphite
Carbon; one of three allotropic modifications of this element. It occurs in nature as a mineral.
It is used as a lubricant for machinery; for commutator brushes; for making surfaces to be plated conductive, and for mixing with manganese binoxide in Leclanché cells.

Graphite, like diamond, is an allotrope of carbon. They are very similar to each other but the structure of the atom affects the chemical and physical properties. Graphite is made of layers of carbon atoms. These layers can slide over each other very easily. This means that it is very soft. It is a dull gray in appearance. Due to the delocalized electrons between the layers, it can conduct electricity very well.

Graphite can be formed from coal put under high heat and pressure. Also, graphite can be turned into diamond with enough heat and pressure. This is how synthetic (man-made) diamonds are made.

Graphite is naturally found in Sri Lanka,Canada and the United States. It is also called Lead Black. It was named by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1789 originating from the Greek language.

It can be used as a lubricant to make mechanical devices run smoother. The most common use of graphite is the "lead" in a pencil, which also has clay.