Search Wiki

Clay

Fine-grained natural rock or soil material used in pottery and construction.

clay soil dirt

Clay is a fine-grained natural rock or soil material that combines one or more clay minerals with traces of metal oxides and organic matter. It is plastic when wet, hardens when fired or dried, and has been widely used by humans for thousands of years in pottery, construction, and other crafts.

Etymology

Clay derives from Old English clæg, of Germanic origin.

Explain Like I’m 5

Clay is like super tiny dirt that sticks together when you add water, and people use it to make things like pottery and bricks.

Fun Facts

Clay has been used by humans for over 10,000 years
Some clay can shrink and crack as it dries
Clay is used in some medicines

FAQ

What is clay? It's a fine-grained natural material
What is it used for? Pottery and construction are common uses
Where does clay come from? It's found in soil and rock

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

sedimentary rock soil

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

ball clay earthenware clay kaolin

Meronyms — Parts or Components

clay minerals

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

earth soil

Indexes

geological material industrial material natural material

Related

Built by Tim Jones