# graphite

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɡɹæfaɪt/ · frequency rank #18,325

## Definitions
1. 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, in "lead" pencils, and as a moderator in some nuclear reactors.
2. Graphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for lightweight strength and stiffness.
3. A grey colour, resembling graphite or the marks made with a graphite pencil.

## Etymology
Borrowed from German Graphit (A. G. Werner 1789), from Ancient Greek γράφω (gráphō, “I write”).

## Easily confused with
- **graphic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/graphic-vs-graphite)
- **granite** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/granite-vs-graphite)
- **graphics** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/graphics-vs-graphite)
- **graphene** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/graphene-vs-graphite)

## Common misspellings (12)
`garphite`, `ggraphite`, `grahpite`, `graphhite`, `graphiet`, `graphitte`, `graphtie`, `grapihte`, `grapphite`, `grpahite`, `grraphite`, `rgaphite`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/graphite