Langimage
English

clay

|clay|

B1

/kleɪ/

malleable earth

Etymology
Etymology Information

'clay' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'clǣg', where it referred to sticky earth.

Historical Evolution

'clǣg' transformed into the Middle English word 'clay', and eventually became the modern English word 'clay'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'sticky earth', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a natural earthy material that is plastic when wet, consisting essentially of hydrated silicates of aluminum, used for making bricks, pottery, etc.

The artist molded the clay into a beautiful vase.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the human body as opposed to the spirit or soul.

The poet often referred to the body as mere clay.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45