graphite

/'græfait/

Thân thiện

A pencil contains a thin core of graphite.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A soft, black, lustrous form of carbon: Graphite is a naturally occurring mineral used in pencils, as a lubricant, and in various industrial applications due to its properties of being slippery and a good conductor of electricity.

Usage

• Graphite is a common, stable form of carbon with a layered structure that allows the sheets to slide over each other easily.
• It is primarily known for its use in pencil "leads" and as a dry lubricant.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The core of a pencil is made of graphite mixed with clay.
  • Graphite is an excellent material for lubricating locks.
  • Some nuclear reactors use graphite as a moderator to slow down neutrons.

Advanced Usage

• "Graphite anode": A component in batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, where graphite is used as the negative electrode.
  • The efficiency of the battery depends on the quality of the graphite anode.
• "Graphite composite": A material made by combining graphite with other substances to enhance strength or other properties.
  • The tennis racket is made from a lightweight graphite composite.

Variants and Related Words

• Graphene (noun): A single layer of graphite, forming a two-dimensional material with exceptional strength and conductivity.
  • Graphene is being researched for use in advanced electronics.
• Graphitic (adjective): Relating to, consisting of, or resembling graphite.
  • The rock had a graphitic sheen.

Synonyms

• Plumbago (noun, archaic): An old term for graphite, also referring to a type of lead ore.
• Black lead (noun, dated): A historical name for graphite, referring to its use in pencils.

Related Phrases

• "Graphite electrode": A conductor made of graphite used in electric arc furnaces for steel production.
  • The factory ordered new graphite electrodes for its furnace.
• "Graphite moderator": As referenced, graphite used in nuclear reactors to slow neutrons without absorbing them.
  • The reactor's design relies on a graphite moderator.

Học thuật

Noun

1. used as a lubricant and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

Từ đồng nghĩa

• black lead
• plumbago