protoporcelain

noun

pro·​to·​porcelain

¦prōt(ˌ)ō+

: a porcelaneous ware lacking some of the qualities of a true porcelain

specifically : a hard-fired gray kaolinic Chinese stoneware known since the Han dynasty

Word History

Etymology

prot- + porcelain; probably translation of German urporzellan

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

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