lignite

[ lig-nahyt ]

noun

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

lignite

/ lɪɡˈnɪtɪk; ˈlɪɡnaɪt /

noun

1. 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 ⁷to 1.93 × 10 ⁷J/kg (5500 to 8300 Btu/lb) Also calledbrown coal

lignite

/ lĭg′nīt′ /

1. 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.
2. Compare anthracite

Derived Forms

• lignitic, adjective

Other Words From

• lig·nit·ic [lig-, nit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lignite¹

First recorded in 1800–10; lign- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Greece plans to double the use of lignite, a soft, emissions-heavy type of coal, to reduce the natural gas the country is using to generate electricity.

From Washington Post

Some of the most valuable peat closely resembles lignite, and makes a good fuel.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a fossil resin, or gum, and may often be found in lignite beds.

From Project Gutenberg

Lignite or brown coal may contain only 50 per cent of carbon.

From Project Gutenberg

The most interesting feature of this formation is the lignite of Bovey Tracy, on the eastern edge of Dartmoor.

From Project Gutenberg

Bovey Tracy , six miles north-west of Newton Abbot, is noted for beds of clay and lignite, and for its potteries.

From Project Gutenberg