noun

graphene

GRAF-een

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Graphene (noun) means a layer of graphite just one atom thick, forming a carbon allotrope with unusual electrical properties. Example: “Engineers are exploring graphene for use in faster, more flexible electronic circuits.”

noun

inorganic chemistry A layer of graphite just one atom thick, forming a carbon allotrope with unusual electrical properties.

"Engineers are exploring graphene for use in faster, more flexible electronic circuits."

"A single sheet of graphene is only one atom thick, yet extremely strong."

"Graphene conducts electricity far better than most everyday materials."

organic chemistry Any polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon whose structure matches part of a single layer of graphite.

"Chemists sometimes describe certain large aromatic hydrocarbons as graphenes because of their layered ring structure."

"The molecule was classed as a graphene owing to its flat, fused-ring carbon framework."

How to use graphene

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGraphene is an extremely thin, single-layer form of carbon with impressive electrical properties.

When to use it

It is a technical term from chemistry and materials science, not everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Keep graphene, the one-atom-thick layer, separate in your mind from graphite, the bulk material it comes from.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

graphite →

Common pairings

sheet of graphene layer of graphene graphene-based form of graphene

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Engineers are exploring _____ for use in faster, more flexible electronic circuits.

Etymology

Graphene was formed by combining part of the word graphite with the chemical suffix -ene, which is often used for compounds related to carbon ring structures.

Origin: English

Rhymes for graphene

gene bene nene lene Rene scene Irene Keene Beene Ilene achene serene

See all rhymes for graphene →

Frequently asked questions

What is graphene made of?

It is made of carbon, arranged as a single, one-atom-thick layer taken from the structure of graphite.

What makes graphene special?

As an extremely thin layer of graphite, it has remarkable electrical properties, which is why it interests scientists and engineers.

Is graphene the same as graphite?

No, graphite is the everyday bulk material made of many stacked layers, while graphene is a single one-atom-thick layer with its own distinct properties.

What is the meaning of graphene?

"graphene" (noun) means a layer of graphite just one atom thick, forming a carbon allotrope with unusual electrical properties.