Plastic vs. Graphite — What's the Difference?

Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes.

Graphite (), archaically referred to as plumbago, is a crystalline form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a hexagonal structure. It occurs naturally in this form and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions.

A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be moulded into shape while soft, and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form

A soft crystalline allotrope of carbon, composed of graphene layers, having a steel-gray to black metallic luster and a greasy feel, used in lead pencils, lubricants, paints and coatings, and fabricated into a variety of forms such as molds, bricks, electrodes, crucibles, and rocket nozzles. Also called black lead, plumbago.

Made of plastic

An allotrope of carbon, consisting of planes of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal arrays with the planes stacked loosely, that is used as a dry lubricant, in "lead" pencils, and as a moderator in some nuclear reactors.

(of a substance or material) easily shaped or moulded

Short for graphite-reinforced plastic, a composite plastic made with graphite fibers noted for light weight strength and stiffness.

Capable of being shaped or formed

A grey colour, resembling graphite or the marks made with a graphite pencil.

Relating to or dealing with shaping or modeling

(transitive) To apply graphite to.

Having the qualities of sculpture; well-formed

Native carbon in hexagonal crystals, also foliated or granular massive, of black color and metallic luster, and so soft as to leave a trace on paper. It is used for pencils (improperly called lead pencils), for crucibles, and as a lubricator, etc. Often called plumbago or black lead.

Giving form or shape to a substance

Used as a lubricant and as a moderator in nuclear reactors

Easily influenced; impressionable

Made of a plastic or plastics

(Physics) Capable of undergoing continuous deformation without rupture or relaxation.

Capable of building tissue; formative.

Able to change and adapt, especially by acquiring alternative pathways for sensory perception or motor skills. Used of the central nervous system.

Marked by artificiality or superficiality

(Informal) Of or obtained by means of credit cards

Any of various organic compounds produced by polymerization, capable of being molded, extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into filaments used as textile fibers.

(Informal) A credit card or credit cards

A synthetic, solid, hydrocarbon-based polymer, whether thermoplastic or thermosetting.

Credit or debit cards used in place of cash to buy goods and services.

Insincerity; fakeness, or a person who is fake or arrogant, or believes that they are better than the rest of the population.

An instance of plastic surgery.

(obsolete) A sculptor, moulder.

(archaic) Any solid but malleable substance.

Capable of being moulded; malleable, flexible, pliant.

Producing tissue.

(dated) Creative, formative.

(biology) Capable of adapting to varying conditions; characterized by environmental adaptability.

Of or pertaining to the inelastic, non-brittle, deformation of a material.

Made of plastic.

Inferior or not the real thing.

Fake; insincere.

Having the power to give form or fashion to a mass of matter; as, the plastic hand of the Creator.

Capable of being molded, formed, or modeled, as clay or plaster; - used also figuratively; as, the plastic mind of a child.

Pertaining or appropriate to, or characteristic of, molding or modeling; produced by, or appearing as if produced by, molding or modeling; - said of sculpture and the kindred arts, in distinction from painting and the graphic arts.

A substance composed predominantly of a synthetic organic high polymer capable of being cast or molded; many varieties of plastic are used to produce articles of commerce (after 1900). [MW10 gives origin of word as 1905]

Generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e.g. coatings and adhesives

Used of the imagination;

Capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material);

Capable of being influenced or formed;