black lead
"Black lead" primarily refers to graphite, but it has historical connections to the metal lead and a type of polish.
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Definition
B2Materials Science
(current)A form of carbon, known as graphite, used in pencils and as a lubricant.
Example
- The black lead in pencils is actually graphite, not lead.
C1Historical
(archaic)An old term for the metal lead.
C1Household
(historical)A type of polish made from graphite, used for cleaning and blackening grates and stoves.
Example
- In the 19th century, black lead polish was commonly used in households.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "black lead":
white leadred leadlead in one's pencilleaded typeeat leadlead inlead outlead poisoninglead crystallow-background leadkettle leadlead onstrike a leadcoal blacklead milllead offblack upblack copper