What is "number 2 pencil"

alt. 1 (context US English) A pencil which produces a specific shade of dark gray. One can usually identify a number 2 pencil by looking for the number "2" conspicuously emblazon on the pencil. Often required for test-taking and the completion of official forms. 2 (context US English) A standard, ordinary pencil; one which is not colored or mechanical pencil or in any other way unusual. n. 1 (context US English) A pencil which produces a specific shade of dark gray. One can usually identify a number 2 pencil by looking for the number "2" conspicuously emblazon on the pencil. Often required for test-taking and the completion of official forms. 2 (context US English) A standard, ordinary pencil; one which is not colored or mechanical pencil or in any other way unusual.