earthenware

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a relatively porous ceramic made from clay fired at a lower temperature than stoneware or porcelain

   The excavators uncovered fragments of red earthenware beneath the floor.

2. 2
   noun

   bowls, jugs, dishes, and other objects made from this ceramic

   The dresser displayed a collection of painted earthenware.

Formed in English from earthen + ware and recorded in the seventeenth century. Earthen means 'made of earth or baked clay,' while ware denotes manufactured goods; compare Dutch aardewerk, with the same literal structure.

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