Ceramic: meaning, definitions and examples

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ceramic

[səˈramɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

material

Ceramic refers to an inorganic material made of clay that is hardened by heat. Ceramics are commonly used in pottery, tiles, and dishes.

Synonyms

clayware, earthenware, porcelain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ceramic	General term for items made from clay and hardened by heat. Includes art, tiles, and industrial materials. She took a class on creating ceramic sculptures. The floor is covered with ceramic tiles.
clayware	Items specifically made from clay. Often refers to handmade or artistic pieces. He crafts beautiful clayware in his studio. The local market sells traditional clayware dishes.
earthenware	Type of pottery made from natural clay, usually porous and fired at a lower temperature. Often used for functional items such as dishes and pots. She collects antique earthenware bowls. The garden is adorned with earthenware planters.
porcelain	High-quality, fine clay fired at a high temperature. Known for its strength, translucency, and often used for decorative items. The museum displayed ancient porcelain vases. Her tea set is made of delicate porcelain.

Examples of usage

The artist crafted a beautiful ceramic vase.
The kitchen floor is tiled with ceramic tiles.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

related to pottery

Ceramic can also describe objects made from ceramic material. It can refer to anything from decorative pottery to functional dishes.

Synonyms

clay, earthenware, porcelain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ceramic	Use 'ceramic' when referring to a wide range of hard, brittle, heat-resistant materials made by firing and then glazing or other coloring. It is a general term that can apply to various products, including tiles, pottery, bricks, and more. The kitchen floor was made of ceramic tiles. She attended a class on making ceramic pottery.
clay	Opt for 'clay' when talking about the raw, malleable material used to make pottery and other ceramics. It can also refer to the substance found in the ground before it is processed. The artist molded the clay into a beautiful vase. The soil in this region is rich in clay.
earthenware	Choose 'earthenware' when describing pottery made from a porous, non-vitrified clay that is typically less durable and has a more rustic appearance compared to porcelain. It is often used for everyday items like pots, dishes, and mugs. She bought a set of earthenware pots for her kitchen. Earthenware bowls are perfect for a farmhouse-style decor.
porcelain	Use 'porcelain' when referring to a more refined and highly vitrified ceramic material that is often white, translucent, and very durable. It is commonly used for fine dishes, decorative items, and dentistry. The tea was served in delicate porcelain cups. She collected porcelain figurines from various countries.

Examples of usage

The store sells a variety of ceramic figurines.
She collects ceramic plates from different countries.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek word 'keramos,' which means 'potter's clay' or 'pottery.'
It evolved through Latin as 'ceramica,' referring to pottery and ceramic work.

Historical Origins

The first known ceramics date back to around 29,000 BC during the Upper Paleolithic, discovered in what is now the Czech Republic.
Ancient Chinese civilizations perfected ceramics, leading to beautiful porcelain production around 600 AD, which later influenced global art and trade.

Science

Ceramics are typically made from inorganic, non-metallic materials that are hardened by heat, bearing high resistance to heat, electricity, and wear.
They are classified into two main categories: traditional ceramics (like pottery and bricks) and advanced ceramics (used in electronics and medicine).

Art

Many famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, explored ceramics as a canvas, creating expressive pieces that blended art and utility.
The decorative style of ceramics varies significantly around the world, from the intricate patterns of Islamic tiles to the vibrant colors of Mexican pottery.

Pop Culture

Ceramic figurines have been popular collectibles for centuries, featuring everything from animals to historical figures.
The popular animated TV show 'Pottery Throwdown' showcases ceramic skills and creativity, highlighting both the art and craftsmanship involved.

Translations

Translations of the word "ceramic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cerâmico

🇮🇳 सिरेमिक

🇩🇪 Keramik

🇮🇩 keramik

🇺🇦 кераміка

🇵🇱 ceramika

🇯🇵 セラミック

🇫🇷 céramique

🇪🇸 cerámica

🇹🇷 seramik

🇰🇷 세라믹

🇸🇦 سيراميك

🇨🇿 keramika

🇸🇰 keramika

🇨🇳 陶瓷 (táocí)

🇸🇮 keramika

🇮🇸 keramik

🇰🇿 керамика

🇬🇪 კერამიკა

🇦🇿 keramika

🇲🇽 cerámica

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,867 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7865 practicing
7866 spectacular
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7868 ingenious
7869 dashed
7870 champion
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