clay

clay

noun, often attributive \ˈklā\

Definition of CLAY

1

a : an earthy material that is plastic when moist but hard when fired, that is composed mainly of fine particles of hydrous aluminum silicates and other minerals, and that is used for brick, tile, and pottery; specifically : soil composed chiefly of this material having particles less than a specified size b : earth, mud

2

a : a substance that resembles clay in plasticity and is used for modeling b : the human body as distinguished from the spirit c : fundamental nature or character <the common clay>

3

: clay court

— clay·ey \ˈklā-ē\ adjective

— clay·ish \ˈklā-ish\ adjective

— clay·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of CLAY

1. <had the feeling that the natives were of a different clay than us and that neither side would ever understand the other>

Origin of CLAY

Middle English, from Old English clǣg; akin to Old High German klīwa bran, Latin gluten glue, Middle Greek glia

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CLAY

Synonyms: character, nature, colors, complexion, constitution, genius, personality, self, tone

Related Words: distinctiveness, distinctness, individuality, singularity, uniqueness; attribute, characteristic, earmark, essentiality, feature, flavor, hallmark, mark, point, property, savor (also savour), stamp, trait; disposition, grain, sort, temper, temperament; composition, makeup; essence, essentiality, interior, interiority, soul, spirit; metal, stuff, substance; habit, way

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Rhymes with CLAY

a, ae, bay, bey, blae, brae, bray, chez, Cray, day, dey, dray, eh, fay, fey, flay, fley, frae, fray, Frey, gay, Gay, gey, gley, gray, hay, he, hey, Hue, j, jay, Jay, k, kay, Kay, lay, lei, may, nay, né, née, neigh, Ney, pay, pe, play, pray, prey, qua, quai, quay, Rae, ray, re, say, shay, slay, sleigh, spae, spay, Spey, splay, spray, stay, stray, sway, Tay, they, tray, trey, way, weigh, whey, yea