Glass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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glass
[ɡlæs ]
Definitions
drinkware
An object made of glass that is used for drinking liquids. It can come in various shapes and sizes, such as cups, tumblers, and goblets. Glassware is commonly used for serving water, juice, wine, and other beverages.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glass |
Best used to refer to a general drinking vessel made of glass, often used for water, juice, or other cold beverages.
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| tumbler |
Often refers to a short, wide glass used for spirits, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks served over ice.
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| cup |
Commonly used for hot beverages like coffee or tea. It can also refer to a measurement used in cooking.
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| goblet |
Typically refers to a large, decorative drinking vessel, often used for wine or ceremonial purposes.
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Examples of usage
- She poured some water into the glass.
- He raised his glass to toast the newlyweds.
- The bartender placed a cocktail glass in front of her.
material
A hard, brittle substance, typically transparent or translucent, made by fusing sand with soda and lime. Glass is widely used in windows, bottles, mirrors, and other household items.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glass |
General term for any transparent or translucent material made from silica, commonly used for drinking containers, windows, and various other everyday items.
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| crystal |
A type of high-quality, clear, and often cut glass used for making beautiful, decorative items such as jewelry, glasses, or other fine objects.
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| pane |
A flat sheet of glass, typically used in windows or doors.
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| mirror |
A flat or curved surface, usually coated on the back with a reflective material, used for seeing oneself or reflecting light.
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Examples of usage
- The window shattered into pieces of glass.
- She collected colored glass bottles for decoration.
- The mirror reflected her image.
make something shine
To cover or enclose with glass, as in a window. It can also refer to the action of fitting glass into a window frame or other structure to allow light to pass through.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glass |
Used to refer to a transparent material used in windows, bottles, and other items.
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| glaze |
Refers to applying a shiny coating on a surface, often used for pottery, pastries, and windows.
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| encase |
Implies covering or surrounding something completely, usually for protection or preservation.
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| pane |
Specifically refers to a single sheet of glass in a window or door.
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Examples of usage
- The artist glassed the painting to protect it.
- The builder glassed the windows of the house.
- She glassed the photograph before framing it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Glass-making dates back to at least 2000 BC in Mesopotamia and Egypt, where artisans created small objects.
- In Ancient Rome, glass became more accessible, leading to widespread use in windows and decorative items.
Science
- Glass is primarily made from silica, which is heated until it melts and then shaped as it cools.
- Different additives can change the properties of glass, such as color or strength, leading to varieties like tempered and stained glass.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'glass ceiling' refers to an unofficial barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing in their careers.
- In cinema, shattered glass often symbolizes broken relationships or moments of realization in various films.
Art and Architecture
- Stained glass windows in cathedrals tell biblical stories and are celebrated for their beauty and craftsmanship.
- Modern glass art combines traditional techniques with contemporary methods, resulting in unique sculptures and installations.
Origin of 'glass'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'gleas', which meant 'transparent material'.
- The Latin word 'glacies', meaning 'ice', has roots in the modern meaning, reflecting the transparent quality of glass.
The word 'glass' originated from the Old English word 'glæs', which is related to the Dutch 'glas' and German 'Glas'. The use of glass dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Phoenicians, who developed techniques for making glass objects. The invention of glassblowing in the 1st century BCE revolutionized the production of glass items, leading to the widespread use of glass in architecture, art, and daily life.
See also: eyeglasses, glasses, glasshouse, glasspaper, glassware, glassy.