Definition of pencil

• n. - A small, fine brush of hair or bristles used by painters for laying on colors.
• n. - 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.
• n. - Hence, figuratively, an artist's ability or peculiar manner; also, in general, the act or occupation of the artist, descriptive writer, etc.
• n. - An aggregate or collection of rays of light, especially when diverging from, or converging to, a point.
• n. - A number of lines that intersect in one point, the point of intersection being called the pencil point.
• n. - A small medicated bougie.
• v. t. - To write or mark with a pencil; to paint or to draw.