ceramic

1 of 2

adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈra-mik 

 especially British  kə-

: of or relating to the manufacture of any product (such as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (such as clay) by firing at a high temperature

also : of or relating to such a product

ceramic

2 of 2

noun

1

ceramics plural in form but singular in construction : the art or process of making ceramic articles

2

: a product of ceramic manufacture

Examples of ceramic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In the 1990s, the MTA, about to build more turn lanes, uncovered the actual foundations of the original adobe, roof tiles, and ceramic floor tiles upon which the 1847 treaty-makers probably walked. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024

The Always Pan is a PTFE-free ceramic nonstick pan that multitasks as a steamer. —Noah Kaufman, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2024

Noun

British master potter Edmund de Waal’s ceramics contain slight irregularities and are expected to initiate conversations between tradition and modernity. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 16 July 2024

The artifacts were described as common Etruscan ceramics. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek keramikos, from keramos potter's clay, pottery

First Known Use

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ceramic

1 of 2 adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈram-ik 

: of or relating to the manufacture of a product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made from a nonmetallic mineral by heating at high temperatures

ceramic

2 of 2 noun

1

plural : the art of making ceramic articles

2

: a product of ceramic manufacture