Main Entry:

clay

Pronunciation:

\ˈklā\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

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

Date:

before 12th century

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, mud2 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