pencil Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
noun graphite (or a similar substance) used in such a way as to be a medium of communication
- the words were scribbled in pencil
- this artist's favorite medium is pencil
noun a figure formed by a set of straight lines or light rays meeting at a point
noun a cosmetic in a long thin stick; designed to be applied to a particular part of the face
- an eyebrow pencil
verb write, draw, or trace with a pencil
- he penciled a figure

OF. pincel, F. pinceau, L. penicillum, penicillus, equiv. to peniculus, dim. of penis a tail. Cf. Penicil.

A small, fine brush of hair or bristles used by painters for laying on colors.
With subtile pencil depainted was this storie. Chaucer.
A slender cylinder or strip of black lead, colored chalk, slate etc., or such a cylinder or strip inserted in a small wooden rod intended to be pointed, or in a case, which forms a handle, -- used for drawing or writing. See Graphite.
Hence, figuratively, an artist's ability or peculiar manner; also, in general, the act or occupation of the artist, descriptive writer, etc.
(Opt.) An aggregate or collection of rays of light, especially when diverging from, or converging to, a point.
(Geom.) A number of lines that intersect in one point, the point of intersection being called the pencil point.
(Med.) A small medicated bougie.

imperfect & past participle Penciled or Pencilled; present participle & verbal noun Penciling or Pencilling

To write or mark with a pencil; to paint or to draw. Cowper.
Where nature pencils butterflies on flowers. Harte.