ceramic
Ceramic (adj) means Made from clay or a similar material hardened by intense heat. Example: “She bought a set of ceramic mugs at the market.”
How to use ceramic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClay-based material (or objects made from it) hardened by firing at high heat.
Word forms
more ceramic comparative, ceramics plural, most ceramic superlative
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She bought a set of _____ mugs at the market.
Etymology
From Greek keramikos ("of pottery"), from keramos ("potter's clay").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ceramic
See all rhymes for ceramic →Frequently asked questions
What does “ceramic” mean?
The word “ceramic” means made from clay or a similar material hardened by intense heat. In plain terms, clay-based material (or objects made from it) hardened by firing at high heat.
How do you pronounce “ceramic”?
“Ceramic” is pronounced suh-RA-mihk (/səˈɹæmɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ceramic” in a sentence?
Here is “ceramic” used in a sentence: “She bought a set of ceramic mugs at the market.”
What part of speech is “ceramic”?
Depending on how it is used, “ceramic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “ceramic” come from?
The word “ceramic” comes from Greek. From Greek keramikos ("of pottery"), from keramos ("potter's clay").
Is “ceramic” a common word?
“Ceramic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ceramic” have?
“Ceramic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made from clay or a similar material hardened by intense heat.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain?
Ceramic is a broad term for any hard material made by firing clay or minerals at high temperature, while porcelain is a specific, finer type of ceramic fired at very high temperatures to produce a denser, often translucent result. All porcelain is ceramic, but not all ceramic is porcelain.
Can "ceramic" be used as both a noun and an adjective?
Yes. As an adjective, "ceramic" describes something made from clay or a similar material hardened by heat, as in "a ceramic bowl." As a noun, it refers to the material itself or to an object made from it.
Why are ceramic materials used for cookware and tiles?
Ceramic materials are valued for cookware and tiles because firing clay or minerals at high temperature produces a hard, durable surface that withstands heat and wear well.
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