Lignite

/ˈlɪɡ.naɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A brownish-black coal that is intermediate in carbon content between peat and bituminous coal, often used as a fuel source.
The power plant operates mainly on lignite due to its abundant local supply.
A type of coal that is soft and has a high moisture content.
Lignite's high moisture content makes it less efficient for transport compared to drier coal types.
Coal that is often found in layers and can be mined by strip mining techniques.
The lignite deposits in the region are primarily extracted using surface mining methods.

Etymology

From Latin lignum, meaning 'wood', due to its origin from plant material.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lignite mine
A place where lignite is extracted from the ground.
burning lignite
The process of using lignite as a source of fuel in various operations.

Related Words

coal
A combustible black or dark brown rock consisting mainly of carbonized plant matter.
anthracite
A hard, high-carbon coal that burns slowly and cleanly.

Slang Meanings

Soft coal
That stuff is just lignite, you can see it crumbling.
Low-quality fuel
They are using lignite for their operations, that's low-quality fuel.