noun
anthracite
AN-thruh-syte
Anthracite (noun) means Anthracite is a hard, dense form of coal that burns more cleanly than other coals. Example: “The stove burned anthracite through the coldest months.”
noun
1
Anthracite is a hard, dense form of coal that burns more cleanly than other coals.
"The stove burned anthracite through the coldest months."
"Anthracite leaves less soot behind than softer coal."
"Wagons once hauled anthracite out of these valleys."
2
Anthracite is also a dark grey colour.
"The car was finished in anthracite."
"She chose anthracite tiles for the kitchen floor."
"The walls were painted a cool anthracite grey."
How to use anthracite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the hardest, cleanest-burning kind of coal, or the dark grey colour named after it.
When to use it
The colour sense is common in home decor and design writing.
Memory tip
Picture the colour of coal dust to remember the grey shade this word describes.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
anthracite coal
anthracite grey
burn anthracite
anthracite tiles
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The stove burned _____ through the coldest months.
Etymology
The word passed through Latin from Ancient Greek anthrakitis, meaning a kind of coal, which itself came from anthrax, meaning charcoal.
Synonyms
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hard coal
Rhymes for anthracite
See all rhymes for anthracite →Frequently asked questions
What is anthracite coal?
It is the hardest and cleanest-burning type of coal.
What colour is anthracite?
It describes a dark grey colour, often used in paint and tiling.
Why does anthracite burn more cleanly than other coal?
It is the most carbonised type of coal, so it burns hotter with less smoke.
What is the meaning of anthracite?
"anthracite" (noun) means anthracite is a hard, dense form of coal that burns more cleanly than other coals.
