slate pencil
1
a writing tool made of a thin stick of slate or a similar material used for writing on slate surfaces
A slate pencil is a type of writing tool traditionally used for writing on slate boards, which were common in schools before the widespread use of paper. The pencil has a soft, grayish lead, which is suitable for easily writing on smooth, dark surfaces like slate. The writing can be erased by wiping the slate with a damp cloth, making it reusable. Slate pencils are similar in appearance to regular pencils but are typically designed to create marks that can be wiped off easily. They were commonly used in early education settings and are now mainly of historical interest.
- The students used slate pencils to write on their slate boards during class.
- She sharpened the slate pencil to a fine point for writing neatly on the slate.
- In the 19th century, children learned to write with slate pencils on slate tablets.
- The teacher demonstrated cursive handwriting using a slate pencil on the chalkboard.
- He kept a slate pencil in his pocket for jotting down notes on his portable slate.