anthracite

views updated May 29 2018

an·thra·cite / ˈan[unvoicedth]rəˌsīt/ • n. coal of a hard variety that contains relatively pure carbon and burns with little flame and smoke. Also called hard coal.DERIVATIVES: an·thra·cit·ic / ˌan[unvoicedth]rəˈsitik/ adj.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

anthracite

views updated May 08 2018

anthracite A type of coal, relatively hard, jet black, with a metallic lustre, sub-conchoidal fracture, unbanded, with less than 10% volatiles and more than 90% carbon. It burns with intense heat and a non-luminous flame.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

anthracite

views updated May 29 2018

anthracite Form of coal consisting of more than 90% carbon, relatively hard, black, and with a metallic lustre. It burns with the hot pale-blue flame of complete combustion. It is the final form in the series of fuels: peat, lignite, bituminous coal, and black coal.

World Encyclopedia

anthracite

views updated May 14 2018

anthracite XIX. — Gr. anthrakítis kind of coal, f. ánthrax, anthrak-; see next and -ITE b.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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