ceramic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Made of clay that has been shaped and then heated to a very high temperature to make it hard.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: ceramic tiles, ceramic pots. Not usually used after a verb.

   Patterns

   • ceramic noun

   The bathroom has beautiful ceramic tiles.

   She bought a set of ceramic bowls for the kitchen.

   The artist created a large ceramic sculpture.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountable

   A hard material made by heating clay, or an object made from this material.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the material (e.g., 'made of ceramic'); countable when referring to objects (e.g., 'a collection of ceramics').

   Patterns

   • a piece of ceramic
   • made of ceramic
   • ceramics (plural)

   The vase is made of fine ceramic.

   The museum has a wonderful collection of ancient ceramics.

   She teaches a class on making ceramics.

Word forms

Common combinations

ceramic tile

We laid ceramic tiles in the hallway.

ceramic bowl

She served the soup in a ceramic bowl.

ceramic material

This ceramic material can withstand very high temperatures.

ceramic art

The gallery specializes in ceramic art.

Synonyms and how they differ

pottery

Usually refers to the craft or the objects themselves, not the material; 'ceramic' is more technical and includes industrial uses.

earthenware

A type of ceramic made from clay fired at lower temperatures; less strong and more porous.

porcelain

A specific type of ceramic that is white, hard, and often translucent; more delicate and expensive.

Word family

ceramics noun

The art or craft of making ceramic objects, or the objects themselves.

ceramist noun

A person who makes ceramic objects.

Commonly confused: ceramic or ceremonial?

Practice

Make it your own

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