# black lead

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. The metal lead.
2. Graphite, especially as used in pencils.
3. A graphite pencil.
4. A type of polish made from graphite, used for kitchen cleaning and blackening grates.

## Etymology
In the sense of lead, calque of Latin plumbum nigrum (“lead”, literally “black lead”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/black-lead