n.
Pronunciation: ' chär- ˌ k ō l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English charcole
Date: 14th century
1 : a dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances (as from wood by charring in a kiln from which air is excluded)
2 a : a piece or pencil of fine charcoal used in drawing b : a charcoal drawing
3 : a dark gray