Pencil
WordNet
noun
(1) A thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
(2) A cosmetic in a long thin stick; designed to be applied to a particular part of the face
"An eyebrow pencil"
(3) A figure formed by a set of straight lines or light rays meeting at a point
(4) Graphite (or a similar substance) used in such a way as to be a medium of communication
"The words were scribbled in pencil"
"This artist's favorite medium is pencil"
verb
(5) Write, draw, or trace with a pencil
"He penciled a figure"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From and from a diminutive of , diminutive of Latin .
Noun
- A paintbrush.
- Writing utensil that uses graphite (commonly referred to as lead). Regular pencils usually have a graphite shaft surrounded by wood. Also available in a mechanical version where the graphite length can be adjusted and sharpening is not needed.
Verb
- To squeeze something -- such as a meeting, feature, or appointment -- into a tight schedule
- I am very busy today but I can pencil you in at 3 p.m.
- To tentatively make a booking.
Usage notes
- Particularly in British English, the present and past participles are frequently written with two L's: , .