lignite

American  

[lig-nahyt] / ˈlɪg naɪt /

noun

1. a soft coal, usually dark brown, often having a distinct woodlike texture, and intermediate in density and carbon content between peat and bituminous coal.

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lignite British  

/ ˈlɪɡnaɪt /

noun

1. Also called: brown coal. a brown carbonaceous sedimentary rock with woody texture that consists of accumulated layers of partially decomposed vegetation: used as a fuel. Fixed carbon content: 46–60 per cent; calorific value: 1.28 × 10 ⁷ to 1.93 × 10 ⁷ J/kg (5500 to 8300 Btu/lb)

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lignite Scientific  

/ lĭg′nīt′ /

1. A soft, brownish-black form of coal having more carbon than peat but less carbon than bituminous coal. Lignite is easy to mine but does not burn as well as other forms of coal. It is a greater polluter than bituminous coal because it has a higher sulphur content.

2. Compare anthracite bituminous coal

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Other Word Forms

• lignitic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of lignite

First recorded in 1800–10; lign- + -ite ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lignite

The town, just a short drive from the capital, Pristina, produces almost all of the country's electricity by burning lignite, the lowest-quality and dirtiest coal, dug from nearby pits.

From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026

For lignite, the low-quality soft coal that is the most polluting, Germany has even brought the phase out forward to 2030.

From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2026

Both of its coal-fired plants are ageing, outdated and run on lignite, the most polluting type of coal.

From Reuters ● Nov. 17, 2023

Locals have held a four-year vigil in Akbelen forest to hold off logging that paves the way for a lignite mine near the village of Ikizkoy in Mugla province.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 31, 2023

A fine quality of white marble is found on Lynn Channel; coal, amber and lignite on Aleutian Islands, the best coal being on Cook's Inlet.

From Alden's Handy Atlas of the World by John B. Alden

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