black lead

== English == === Alternative forms === blacklead, black-lead === Etymology === In the sense of lead, calque of Latin plumbum nigrum (“lead”, literally “black lead”). === Noun === black lead (countable and uncountable, plural black leads) (now historical) The metal lead. [from 14th c.] Antonym: white lead Graphite, especially as used in pencils. [from 16th c.] (countable) A graphite pencil. (now historical) A type of polish made from graphite, used for kitchen cleaning and blackening grates. [from 19th c.] ==== Translations ====