5. Having the faculty of, or characterized by, clear and impressive
description; vivid; as, a graphic writer.
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 flat 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.>
Graph"ic*al*ly (?), adv. In a graphic manner; vividly.
{ Graph"ic*ness, Graph"ic*al*ness, } n. The quality or state of being
graphic.
Graph"ics (?), n. The art or the science of drawing; esp. of drawing
according to mathematical rules, as in perspective, projection, and the
like.
Graph"i*scope (?), n. See Graphoscope.
Graph"ite (?), 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.
Graphite battery (Elec.), a voltaic battery consisting of zinc and
carbon in sulphuric acid, or other exciting liquid.
Gra*phit"ic (?), a. Pertaining to, containing, derived from, or
resembling, graphite.
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.
{ Graph"i*toid (?), Graph"i*toid"al (?), } a. Resembling graphite or
plumbago.
Graph"o*lite (?), n. [Gr. gra`fein to write + -lite: cf. F.
grapholithe.] Any species of slate suitable to be written on.
Gra*phol"o*gy (gr*fl"*j), n. [Gr. gra`fein to write + - logy: cf. F.
graphologie.] The art of judging of a person's character, disposition,
and aptitude from his handwriting.
Graph"o*scope (?), n. [Gr. gra`fein to write + -scope.] An optical
instrument for magnifying engravings, photographs, etc., usually having
one large lens and two smaller ones.
Graph"o*type (?), n. [Gr. gra`fein to write + -type.] (Engraving) A
process for producing a design upon a surface in relief so that it can
be printed from. Prepared chalk or oxide of zinc is pressed upon a
smooth plate by a hydraulic press, and the design is drawn upon this in
a peculiar ink which hardens the surface wherever it is applied. The
surface is then carefully rubbed or brushed, leaving the lines in
relief.
-gra*phy (?). [Gr. &?;, fr. &?; write. See Graphic.] A suffix denoting
the art of writing or describing; also, the writing or description
itself; a treatise; as, calligraphy, biography, geography.
Grap"nel (?), n. [OE. grapenel, dim. fr. F. grappin the grapple of a
ship; of German origin. See Grape.] (Naut.) A small anchor, with four
or five flukes or claws, used to hold boats or small vessels; hence,
any instrument designed to grapple or hold; a grappling iron; a grab;
-- written also grapline, and crapnel.
Grap"ple (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grappled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Grappling (?).] [F. grappiller, OF. graypil the grapple of a ship, fr.
graper to pluck, prop., to seize, clutch; of German origin. See Grape.]
1. To seize; to lay fast hold of; to attack at close quarters: as, to
grapple an antagonist.