n. [ See -graph. ] (Math.) 1. A curve or surface, the locus of a point whose coordinates are the variables in the equation of the locus; as, a graph of the exponential function. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. A diagram symbolizing a system of interrelations of variable quantities using points represented by spots, or by lines to represent the relations of continuous variables. More than one set of interrelations may be presented on one graph, in which case the spots or lines are typically distinguishable from each other, as by color, shape, thickness, continuity, etc. A diagram in which relationships between variables are represented by other visual means is sometimes called a graph, as in a bar graph, but may also be called a chart. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]

n. (Linguistics) a written symbol that is used to represent speech.
Syn. -- character, graphic symbol. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

{ , a. [ L. graphicus, Gr. grafiko`s, fr. gra`fein to write; cf. F. graphique. See Graft. ] 1. Of or pertaining to the arts of painting and drawing; of or pertaining to graphics; as, graphic art work. [ wns=2 ] [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ]

2. Of or pertaining to the art of writing. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Written or engraved; formed of letters or lines. [ 1913 Webster ]

The finger of God hath left an inscription upon all his works, not graphical, or composed of letters. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Having the faculty of clear, detailed, and impressive description; as, a graphic writer. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Well delineated; clearly and vividly described; characterized by, clear, detailed, and impressive description; vivid; evoking lifelike images within the mind; as graphic details of the President's sexual misbehavior; a graphic description of the accident; graphic images of violence. [ wns=5 ]
Syn. -- lifelike, pictorial, vivid. [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ]

6. Hence: describing nudity or sexual activity in explicit detail; as, a novel with graphic sex scenes. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

7. relating to or presented by a graph{ 2 }; as, a graphic presentation of the data. [ wns=3 ]
Syn. -- graphical. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

Graphic algebra, a branch of algebra in which, the properties of equations are treated by the use of curves and straight lines. --
Graphic arts, a name given to those fine arts which pertain to the representation on a fiat surface of natural objects; as distinguished from music, etc., and also from sculpture. --
Graphic formula. (Chem.) See under Formula. --
Graphic granite. See under Granite. --
Graphic method, the method of scientific analysis or investigation, in which the relations or laws involved in tabular numbers are represented to the eye by means of curves or other figures; as the daily changes of weather by means of curves, the abscissas of which represent the hours of the day, and the ordinates the corresponding degrees of temperature. --
Graphical statics (Math.), a branch of statics, in which the magnitude, direction, and position of forces are represented by straight lines --
Graphic tellurium. See Sylvanite. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a graphic manner; vividly.

{ } n. The quality or state of being graphic. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The art or the science of drawing; esp. of drawing according to mathematical rules, as in perspective, projection, and the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Graphoscope. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. gra`fein to write: cf. F. graphite. See Graphic. ] (Min.) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Graphite battery (Elec.), a voltaic battery consisting of zinc and carbon in sulphuric acid, or other exciting liquid. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to, containing, derived from, or resembling, graphite. [ 1913 Webster ]

Graphitic acid (Chem.), an organic acid, so called because obtained by the oxidation of graphite; -- usually called mellitic acid. --
Graphitic carbon, in iron or steel, that portion of the carbon which is present as graphite. Raymond.

{ } a. Resembling graphite or plumbago. [ 1913 Webster ]