clinker brick
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A hard, vitrified, and often irregularly shaped brick, typically overfired in the kiln. It is characterized by its durability and is commonly used as a paving stone or for decorative purposes in masonry.
Usage
The term "clinker brick" refers specifically to the brick itself. It is used as a countable noun. * The old factory pathway was paved with durable clinker bricks. * The architect specified clinker brick for the garden wall to achieve a rustic, textured look.
Examples
- The sidewalk was constructed from rough, reddish clinker bricks.
- You can identify a clinker brick by its glassy, sintered surface and distorted shape.
- They chose to use clinker brick for the patio because of its resistance to weathering.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Industrial Context: Clinker bricks were originally a byproduct of over-firing in coal-burning kilns. Their use in paving and construction gave rise to the term "clinker" for the stony residue from burnt coal.
- Architectural Style: The use of clinker brick is a distinctive feature of certain architectural styles, such as Arts and Crafts or some Gothic Revival buildings, where texture and color variation are desired.
Variants and Related Words
- Clinker (noun): Can refer to the stony residue from burnt coal or to a clinker brick itself in certain contexts (e.g., "a wall of clinker").
- Paving brick (noun): A more general term for bricks designed for paving, which may include clinker bricks.
- Vitrified brick (noun): A technical term describing bricks that have been fired at a high temperature until the surface melts into a glassy layer, which includes clinker bricks.
Synonyms
- Hard brick
- Pavers (when used for paving)
- Vitrified brick (technical)
Notes on Meaning
The primary meaning is a type of brick. Its defining characteristics are its hardness, vitrified surface, and common use as a paving material. It is not typically used for structural load-bearing walls in modern construction but for paving, veneers, and decorative elements.
Noun
- a hard brick used as a paving stone