Potshard: meaning, definitions and examples
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potshard
[ ˈpɒtʃɑːrd ]
ceramic fragment
A potshard is a broken piece of pottery, specifically a shard or fragment that can be found in archaeological sites or during construction. These fragments can provide valuable information about the material culture of past societies, including their artistic techniques and everyday practices.
Synonyms
ceramic fragment, clay fragment, pottery shard.
Examples of usage
- The archaeologists unearthed several potshards during their dig.
- Each potshard offers clues to the ancient civilization's way of life.
- She collected potshards from the riverbed as a hobby.
- The museum displayed potshards that illustrated the region's pottery styles.
Etymology
The term 'potshard' is derived from the combination of 'pot', which refers to a vessel for cooking or storage made from clay or ceramic material, and 'shard', meaning a piece of broken material. The word 'pot' has Old English origins, coming from 'pott', which itself has roots in Proto-Germanic. The concept of shards or fragments has been part of the English language since the Middle Ages, emphasizing the process of breaking and the resulting pieces. In archaeology, potshards are of significant interest as they record details about the craftsmanship and daily life of historical cultures. The study of potshards, therefore, plays a crucial role in understanding human history and social development.