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

Both of its coal-fired plants are ageing, outdated and run on lignite, the most polluting type of coal.

From Reuters

Greece has some experience with planned relocation, such as of mountainous rural communities facing landslides in the 1960s and 70s, and more recently of communities near lignite plants.

From Reuters

But Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Wednesday that his government members are “caretakers and protectors of Poland’s black coal and lignite mines and we will not allow Poland’s coal mining to be closed.”

From Seattle Times

North Dakota has an abundance of lignite, a type of coal primarily used to generate electricity.

From New York Times

Part of the new update is designed to address the type of coal that produces the biggest byproduct when its burned, lignite.

From Washington Post