ˈligˌnīt, usu -īd.+V noun
(-s)
Etymology: French, from lign- + -ite
: a variety of coal intermediate between peat and bituminous coal that is of comparatively recent origin, contains much volatile matter, and is usually brownish black ; especially : such coal in which the texture of the original wood is distinct — called also brown coal, wood coal
• lig·nit·ic (ˈ)lig|nid.]ik, -it], ]ēk\ adjective