lignite

[ lig-nahyt ]
/ ˈlɪg naɪt /

noun

a soft coal, usually dark brown, often having a distinct woodlike texture, and intermediate in density and carbon content between peat and bituminous coal.

Origin of lignite

First recorded in 1800–10; lign- + -ite1

OTHER WORDS FROM lignite

lig·nit·ic [lig-nit-ik] /lɪgˈnɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby lignite

lignicolous, ligniform, lignify, lignin, lignin sulfonate, lignite, lignivorous, ligno-, lignocaine, lignocellulose, lignum

Example sentences from the Web for lignite

British Dictionary definitions for lignite

lignite
/ (ˈlɪɡnaɪt) /

noun

a brown carbonaceous sedimentary rock with woody texture that consists of accumulated layers of partially decomposed vegetation: used as a fuel. Fixed carbon content: 46–60 per cent; calorific value: 1.28 × 10 7 to 1.93 × 10 7 J/kg (5500 to 8300 Btu/lb) Also called: brown coal

Derived forms of lignite

lignitic (lɪɡˈnɪtɪk), adjective

Scientific definitions for lignite

lignite
[ lĭg′nīt′ ]

A soft, brownish-black form of coal having more carbon than peat but less carbon than bituminous coal. Lignite is easy to mine but does not burn as well as other forms of coal. It is a greater polluter than bituminous coal because it has a higher sulphur content. Compare anthracite bituminous coal.