Definition of 'anthracite'

Word Frequency

anthracite

(ænθrəsaɪt )

uncountable noun

Anthracite is a type of very hard coal which burns slowly, producing a lot of heat and very little smoke.

Word Frequency

anthracite in British

(ˈænθrəˌsaɪt )

noun

a hard jet-black coal that burns slowly with a nonluminous flame giving out intense heat. Fixed carbon content: 86–98 per cent; calorific value: 3.14 × 107–3.63 × 107 J/kg

. Also called: hard coal

Derived forms

anthracitic (ˌænθrəˈsɪtɪk )

adjective

Word origin of 'anthracite'

C19: from Latin anthracītes type of bloodstone, from Greek anthrakitēs coal-like, from anthrax coal, anthrax

Word Frequency

anthracite in American

(ˈænθrəˌsaɪt ; anˈt hrəsītˌ)

noun

a shiny black, hard, metamorphic coal that contains a low percentage of volatile matter and burns with a smokeless flame

also called hard coal see also bituminous coal

Derived forms

anthracitic (ˌanthraˈcitic) (ˈænθrəˈsɪtɪk ; anˈt hrəsitˈik)

adjective

Word origin of 'anthracite'

Gr anthrakitis, kind of coal < anthrax, coal

Example sentences containing 'anthracite'

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That fascinating gamut from dove to anthracite, Petra thought wryly. Val McDermid THE LAST TEMPTATION (2002)It was as black as anthracite and dense with stars, like gems flung upwards by some unseen hand. Isabel Wolff RESCUING ROSE (2002)

Purest anthracite coal in the U. S. Can't trust the government but used to you could trust the Union but no more. Joyce Carol Oates THE TATTOOED GIRL (2002)