Word
ceramics
Phoneticsce·ram·ics, stress on the second syllable
US/sɝˈæmɪks/
UK/sɪɹˈæmɪks/
Definitions
01the art or craft
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the activity or skill of making things like pots and bowls out of clay.
n. the art, science, or process of manufacturing ceramic objects. Often functions as a singular noun in this sense.
“She decided to take a class in ceramics to learn how to use a pottery wheel.”
“Contemporary ceramics has evolved from a purely functional craft into a respected medium for fine art and sculptural expression.”
Usage
When referring to the art or study, the word usually takes a singular verb.
02objects made of clay
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. pots, dishes, or other items that are made of clay and hardened by heat.
n. objects made from clay or similar materials that have been fired at high temperatures. Functions as a plural noun in this sense.
“The museum has a beautiful collection of ancient Greek ceramics.”
“The archaeological site yielded several well-preserved ceramics, providing vital clues about the domestic habits of the settlement's inhabitants.”
Usage
When referring to the physical objects, the word takes a plural verb.
Real-World Examples
“Scientists led by the Universitat Politècnica de Barcelona and the ESRF, the European Synchrotron, have revealed the chemical reactions in nanoparticles that created a unique, shimmering effect in the painting on ninth-century Islamic ceramics.” “A Mesopotamian culture’s decorated ceramics show some early roots of math, researchers argued.” Etymology
From ceramic + -ics.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/ceramics