pencil

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a group of light rays or lines that meet at a single point.

n. a collection of lines or light rays that converge toward or diverge from a single point.

“The lens focuses the pencil of light onto a small spot on the screen.”

“In projective geometry, a pencil of lines consists of all straight lines in a plane that pass through a specific common point.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to write or draw something using a pencil.

v. to record, sketch, or mark something using a pencil; often implies a temporary or erasable entry.

“She pencilled her name lightly at the top of the test paper.”

“The architect pencilled a few rough corrections onto the blueprint before sending it back to the drafting team for final revisions.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to arrange a meeting or event that might change later.

v. to schedule an appointment or event tentatively, usually followed by 'in'.

“Let's pencil in a meeting for Tuesday, but I'll confirm it with you on Monday.”

“We can pencil the interview in for Thursday afternoon, though we should remain flexible in case the director's flight is delayed.”