anthracitic
|an-thra-cit-ic|
/ˌænθrəˈsɪtɪk/
like anthracite; deep glossy coal-black
Etymology
'anthracitic' originates from Modern English, formed from 'anthracite' + the adjectival suffix '-ic' (via French/Latin and ultimately Greek), where Greek 'anthrax' meant 'coal'.
'anthracite' was borrowed into English from French 'anthracite', which came from Greek 'anthrax' ('' meaning 'coal' or 'charcoal'); the adjective 'anthracitic' was later formed in English by adding the suffix '-ic'.
Initially the root referred specifically to the mineral 'anthracite' (a type of hard coal); over time the adjective came to mean both 'of or relating to anthracite' and more generally 'deep, glossy coal-black in appearance'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to, resembling, or having the characteristics of anthracite (a hard, glossy, high-carbon coal); often used to describe a deep, lustrous black color or coal-like quality.
The antique stove had an anthracitic sheen that made the kitchen feel darker and more rustic.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/25 01:55