lignite

noun

lig·​nite ˈlig-ˌnīt How to pronounce lignite (audio)
: a usually brownish black coal intermediate between peat and bituminous coal
especially : one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct

called also brown coal

lignitic adjective

Examples of lignite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The rule being announced today targets the burning of lignite, a softer form of coal that burns inefficiently due to a high level of contaminants. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 25 Apr. 2024 There are only a handful of lignite plants still operating in the U.S., concentrated in Texas and North Dakota. Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 1 May 2024 The 45,000-acre surface mine produces up to 16 million tons of lignite coal per year. Jack Dura, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2024 Project Tundra has already received $9.8 million from the Department of Energy alongside $15 million from North Dakota’s lignite research fund. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for lignite 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lignite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin lignum

First Known Use

circa 1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lignite was circa 1808

Dictionary Entries Near lignite

Cite this Entry

“Lignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lignite. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

lignite

noun
lig·​nite ˈlig-ˌnīt How to pronounce lignite (audio)
: a usually brownish black coal between peat and bituminous coal in age and heating ability
especially : one in which the texture of the original wood is distinct

More from Merriam-Webster on lignite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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