1. plural of lignite; brownish-black coal of relatively low carbon content, intermediate between peat and bituminous coal
Usage: geology; mining

Examples

• The power plant burns lignites from the nearby strip mine.
• Lignites contain more moisture than harder coals.
• Germany has extensive deposits of lignites in its eastern regions.
• The geologist identified several types of lignites in the core samples.
• Lignites produce less heat per ton than anthracite coal.
• The mining company extracts lignites using open-pit methods.