plumbago
[pluhm-bey-goh]
- graphite.
- a drawing made by an instrument with a lead point.
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Origin of plumbago
1595–1605; < Latin plumbāgō, translation of Greek molýbdaina lead ore, derivative of mólybdos lead
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for plumbago
Historical Examples
As the last, but employing shredded tow or plumbago for horse-dung.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume IIArnold Cooley
As the preceding, but employing mixtures of plumbago and crocus in various proportions according to the shade desired.
The crucibles commonly used for fusing metals are formed of clay, or a mixture of plumbago and clay.
So, getting no reply, he added, "I presume that your plumbago is better."
The Rainbow Book Tales of Fun & FancyMabel Henriette Spielmann
There is therefore reason to believe that this plumbago had been in fusion.
Theory of the Earth, Volume 1 (of 4)James Hutton
plumbago
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin: lead ore, leadwort, translation of Greek polubdaina lead ore, from polubdos lead
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for plumbago
n.
"graphite," 1784, from Latin plumbago "a type of lead ore, black lead," from plumbum "lead" (see plumb (n.)); it renders Greek molybdaina, which was used of yellow lead oxide and also of a type of plant (leadwort). Attested in English in the yellow oxide sense from 1610s; as a type of plant from 1747. Related: Plumbaginous.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper