lignite
|lig-nite|
B2
/ˈlɪɡ.naɪt/
wood-like coal
Etymology
Etymology Information
'lignite' originates from French, specifically the word 'lignite', where the Latin root 'lignum' meant 'wood'.
Historical Evolution
'lignite' changed from the French word 'lignite', ultimately deriving from Latin 'lignum' ('wood'), and was adopted into English in the 19th century as 'lignite'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a substance resembling or derived from wood (fossil wood), but over time it evolved to mean the specific type of soft brown coal now called 'lignite'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a soft brownish coal of low rank between peat and bituminous coal, used as a fuel; also called brown coal.
The power plant burned lignite to generate electricity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/10 09:41