Etymology From the name of the Japanese company Pentel Co., Ltd., which invented the non-permanent marker; ultimately from pen + tell.
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A non-permanent marker pen.
Failing this, a piece of hardboard with white Fablon from Woolworths makes a good surface for drawing with water-soluble pentels. The drawings can be removed with a damp cloth.1974, Margaret Williams, Dorothy Booth, Antenatal education: guidelines for teachers, page 33:
[…] 'Drawing the Line' invited spectators to write their reactions to the photographs and to the question of drawing the line, right on the walls. (Black pentels were supplied for this purpose.)2015, Hilary Robinson, Feminism Art Theory: An Anthology 1968-2014, page 406:
Chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciencesRare A pnictogen or element from group 15 of the periodic table, which includes elements nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and bismuth.