Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or made from a ceramic material: Describes objects or materials that are produced by shaping and then firing nonmetallic minerals at high temperatures.
   • Pertaining to the art or technology of making such objects: Relates to the craft, science, or industry of creating products from fired clay.

2. Noun:

   • An artifact made of ceramic: A hard, brittle object created by firing nonmetallic minerals (like clay) at high temperatures.
   • The material itself: The class of hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant materials made from inorganic, nonmetallic substances.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • The kitchen features beautiful ceramic tiles. (Describes the material of the tiles.)
  • She is a ceramic artist. (Describes her field of artistry.)

• Noun:

  • The museum displayed an ancient Greek ceramic. (Refers to a specific artifact.)
  • Bone china is a type of fine ceramic. (Refers to the class of material.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: In engineering, "ceramic" refers to advanced materials (e.g., silicon carbide, zirconia) used for their thermal, electrical, or structural properties.
  • The engine component is made from a high-performance ceramic.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceramics (noun, plural form):
  • The art or technology of making ceramic articles: "She studied ceramics at art school."
  • Ceramic articles collectively: "The exhibition featured modern ceramics."

Synonyms and Near Synonyms

• Adjective: Clay, porcelain, earthenware (These specify types of ceramic materials).
• Noun: Pottery, crockery, china (These refer to objects made from ceramic).

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Ceramic glaze: A glassy coating fused onto a ceramic surface.
• Ceramic engineer: A specialist in the development and processing of ceramic materials.
• Advanced ceramics: High-tech ceramic materials used in specialized applications.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or made from a ceramic
   • a ceramic dish

Noun

1. an artifact made of hard brittle material produced from nonmetallic minerals by firing at high temperatures