anthracite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, industrial, academic (geology, mining, energy); can appear in general journalism.
Quick answer
What does “anthracite” mean?
A hard, shiny, carbon-rich variety of coal that burns with little smoke or flame.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, shiny, carbon-rich variety of coal that burns with little smoke or flame.
Any very hard, high-grade coal; used figuratively to describe the intense, deep black colour typical of this coal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in denotation. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with industrial history, mining regions (e.g., Pennsylvania in US, South Wales in UK), and high-quality fuel.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English due to historical prominence of Pennsylvania anthracite mining, but the term is standard in both.
Grammar
How to Use “anthracite” in a Sentence
[anthracite] + [verb: burns, produces, comes from][adjective: high-grade, Welsh] + [anthracite][mine/extract/burn] + [anthracite]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthracite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fireplace was designed for anthracite fuel.
- The curtains were an anthracite grey.
American English
- They installed an anthracite-burning furnace.
- He bought an anthracite-colored suit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In energy sector reports: 'The company shifted its portfolio away from anthracite.'
Academic
In geology texts: 'Anthracite represents the highest rank of coal.'
Everyday
Describing colour: 'She wore an anthracite grey coat.'
Technical
In mining engineering: 'The anthracite seam proved difficult to access.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthracite”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anthracite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthracite”
- Mispronunciation: /ænˈθræs.aɪt/ (wrong stress) or /ænθrəˈsaɪt/ (wrong vowel).
- Confusing it with 'graphite' or 'anthrax'.
- Using it as a general synonym for all coal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific, high-grade type of coal. It is harder, has more carbon, and burns cleaner than 'bituminous' (soft) coal.
Yes, 'anthracite' or 'anthracite grey' is commonly used to describe a very dark, metallic grey, similar to the colour of the coal.
Historically significant deposits are in Pennsylvania (USA), South Wales (UK), and parts of China and Vietnam.
It is more difficult and expensive to mine than other coals, and global energy trends have moved towards natural gas, renewables, and more accessible coal types.
A hard, shiny, carbon-rich variety of coal that burns with little smoke or flame.
Anthracite is usually technical, industrial, academic (geology, mining, energy); can appear in general journalism. in register.
Anthracite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænθrəsaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænθrəˌsaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Black as anthracite (simile for intense blackness).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANTHRAcite contains 'anthrax' (Greek for coal) + '-ite' (a mineral suffix). Think: 'A Thoroughly Hard Rock-A-Coal, Intense To Extract.'
Conceptual Metaphor
METAL/STONE (for hardness and quality): 'The anthracite was like black diamond.' PURITY/DENSITY: 'The anthracite of his resolve.'
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of anthracite?