ceramic

1 of 2

adjective

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈra-mik How to pronounce ceramic (audio)
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 sə-ˈra-miks How to pronounce ceramic (audio)
especially British kə-
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
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Adjective
The team must improve the fabrication process, scale up the laser power, and determine whether the ceramic waveguides can maintain their optical performance under much higher loads. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026 The gadget has a quick-warming ceramic plate that heats up within 6 seconds of pressing the button. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
Instead, an eclectic mix of African textiles, Japanese artworks, Turkish rugs, and British ceramics mirrors the round-the-world curiosities of the neighboring British Museum. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 Damaged Wood Pieces Designer Nader Gammas loves a good little box, having collected them in wood, stone, ceramic, and silver. Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceramic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceramic was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Ceramic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramic. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

ceramic

1 of 2 adjective
: 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

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