ceramic

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adjective ce·ram·ic \ sə-ˈra-mik , especially British kə- \

Definition of ceramic

: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

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Recent Examples of ceramic from the Web

One person had even been buried with a ceramic vessel and an opium pipe.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Remains of 19th-Century Chinese Laborers Found at Pyramid in Peru," 29 Aug. 2017
The classroom itself, with no desks or chalkboard, is more like a library, its bookshelves populated with ceramic figurines.

— rich warren, chicagotribune.com, "Learn about Iceland's 'hidden people,' trolls and more at elf school in Reykjavik," 21 Aug. 2017
The proliferation of ceramic body armor means that even non-state actors such as the Islamic State could some day field body armor capable of stopping high-powered bullets.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The U.S. Army Is Officially Looking For a Newer, More Powerful Rifle," 7 Aug. 2017
LOVELAND – Whistle Stop Clay Works has a new ceramic artist at the wheel – the potter’s wheel.

— chuck gibson, Cincinnati.com, "Loveland couple turn over pottery management," 29 July 2017
A charming, homey place, where the locals have their own ceramic beer mugs, made in Zanesville, and the bartender, Andie, washes them out between each serving.

— dominic bonvissuto, SI.com, "The Best of Peter King's Beernerdness," 24 July 2017
The Amika brush uses ceramic bristles to get in your curls' nitty-gritty and smoothes them out in record time.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "This Straightening Brush Takes Me From Curly to Smooth in 20 Minutes Flat," 10 July 2017
In the front courtyard of the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is a fountain pool, where two ceramic coffins are floating.

— anne tschida, miamiherald, "If you’re interested in the art of here & now, you need to see this show," 6 July 2017
Carbon ceramic brakes will bring it to a rest in an amusement-park-ride manner.

— tom voelk, New York Times, "Video Review: A Family-Friendly Ferrari, for the Family of Means," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ceramic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ceramic

Greek keramikos, from keramos potter's clay, pottery

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First Known Use: 1850

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ceramic

noun

Definition of ceramic

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

2 :a product of ceramic manufacture

Recent Examples of ceramic from the Web

Ceramics has an energy density that's significantly higher.

— kelly poe, AL.com, "Metro Diner opening locations in Vestavia Hills, Madison," 15 Aug. 2017
After six hours of managing the fire, I was physically reminded of the amount of work and lifeblood that my dad put into making ceramics.

— krista stevens, Longreads, "Alice Driver on the Passion to Create and the Fear of Failure," 21 July 2017
On average, her staff makes between 80 to 100 ceramic keepsakes a week.

— tessa weinberg, The Courier-Journal, "$4000 pet funeral 'like therapy' for owners," 28 June 2017
But existing composites can crack under the high pressures that occur in engines because the fibers slip against one another and pull out of the ceramic.

— prachi patel, Scientific American, "Fuzzy Fibers Could Help Rockets Take the Heat," 26 June 2017
Pristine white ceramic arrives on the table filled with dozens of the whole fried anchovies, plucked straight from the water and warm from the fryer.

— sarah bennett, Daily Pilot, "Irenia’s Filipino dilis elevate a simple appetizer," 25 June 2017
Harry Josh Pro Tools Ceramic Flat Styling Iron The hair stylists to Chrissy Teigen, Jourdan Dunn, and Olivia Palermo swear by this nano-ceramic, tourmaline flat iron to achieve shiny bombshell waves and evenly straightened hair.

— the editors, Marie Claire, "7 Hair Straighteners That Crush It in the Styling Department," 23 June 2017
To help viewers understand what is going on, the Art Institute includes video demonstrations on the walls amid the artwork, quick how-tos on ceramics, woodcuts and more.

— steve johnson, chicagotribune.com, "The Art Institute wants to show you new Gauguin," 22 June 2017
D’Arrigo had started the organization as an after-school sanctuary where kids suffering from illness or physical and emotional abuse could find refuge and heal their spirits through painting, drawing, ceramics, music, photography and other arts.

— diane bell, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Marathoner Meb makes pitch for Yankees and running," 14 June 2017

First Known Use of ceramic

1859

CERAMIC Defined for English Language Learners

ceramic

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adjective

Definition of ceramic for English Language Learners

: made of clay that has been heated to a very high temperature so that it becomes hard

CERAMIC Defined for Kids

ceramic

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noun ce·ram·ic \ sə-ˈra-mik \

Definition of ceramic for Students

1 ceramics plural :the art of making things (as pottery or tiles) of baked clay

2 :a product made by baking clay

Learn More about ceramic

See words that rhyme with ceramic Spanish Central: Translation of ceramic Nglish: Translation of ceramic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ceramic for Arabic speakers

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ceramic

Definition of ceramic

Recent Examples of ceramic from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ceramic

ceramic

Definition of ceramic

Recent Examples of ceramic from the Web

First Known Use of ceramic

CERAMIC Defined for English Language Learners

ceramic

Definition of ceramic for English Language Learners

CERAMIC Defined for Kids

ceramic

Definition of ceramic for Students

Learn More about ceramic

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