pencil

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
  2. noun graphite (or a similar substance) used in such a way as to be a medium of communication
  3. noun a figure formed by a set of straight lines or light rays meeting at a point

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman and Old French pincil (see the variant pincel, which gave rise to Modern French pinceau (“paintbrush”)), from Latin pēnicillum, diminutive of pēniculus (“brush”), itself a diminutive of pēnis (“tail; penis”). Not related to pen.

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