# ceramic

/sɝˈæmɪk/ (US) · /sɪɹˈæmɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ceramic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the material

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a hard, often brittle material made by baking clay or minerals in a very hot oven.

For teachers: an inorganic, nonmetallic solid material comprising metal, nonmetal or metalloid atoms primarily held in ionic and covalent bonds.

- The floor was covered in a tough ceramic that was easy to clean.
- Advanced ceramic materials are increasingly utilised in aerospace engineering due to their exceptional thermal stability and resistance to wear.

Usage: Often used uncountably when referring to the substance itself.

### 2. an object

noun · CEFR B2

a pot, vase, or other object made from baked clay.

For teachers: an individual object or work of art fashioned from ceramic material.

- She collects hand-painted ceramics from her travels around the Mediterranean.
- The museum's collection includes rare Greek ceramics that demonstrate the transition from geometric patterns to figurative storytelling.

Usage: Commonly used in the plural to refer to a collection of items.

### 3. made of ceramic

adjective · CEFR B2

made of clay or minerals that have been hardened by heat.

For teachers: composed of or relating to ceramic material.

- We replaced the old metal sink with a white ceramic one.
- The technician applied a ceramic coating to the vehicle's exterior to provide a superior layer of protection against environmental damage.

## Examples

- She bought a beautiful ceramic bowl at the local market.
- The artist specializes in ceramic sculpture, using a special kiln to fire the clay at extreme temperatures.
- Advanced ceramic materials are increasingly utilized in aerospace engineering due to their exceptional thermal stability and resistance to wear under high-stress conditions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.