porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən 

1

: a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and a feldspathic rock and is fired at a high temperature

called also hard-paste porcelain, true porcelain

2

: soft-paste porcelain

porcelainlike

ˈpȯr-s(ə-)lən-ˌlīk 

adjective

porcelaneous adjective

or porcellaneous

ˌpȯr-sə-ˈlā-nē-əs 

Examples of porcelain in a Sentence

The bowl is made of porcelain.

Recent Examples on the Web

The British Museum holds fifteen objects from the Tek Sing, including a porcelain urinal. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

Pumice Stones, Magic Erasers, or Dryer Sheets Ceramic or porcelain sinks, tubs, toilets, and tiles (along with their grout) can be cleaned with a pumice stone, or scouring stick. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

The aromas are complex and rich and complement the eye-catching containers, which feature bold, intricate patterns and elegant porcelain. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

It is said that women in China, Korea, and Japan relied on rice water concoctions to create porcelain skin and luscious hair as far back as 2000 years ago—or more. —Alice Rosati, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French porcelaine cowrie shell, porcelain, from Italian porcellana, from porcello vulva, literally, little pig, from Latin porcellus, diminutive of porcus pig, vulva; from the shape of the shell — more at farrow

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing porcelain

• hard-paste porcelain
• porcelain enamel
• soft-paste porcelain
• true porcelain

Kids Definition

porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən 

ˈpȯr-

: a hard white ceramic ware used especially for dishes and chemical utensils

Medical Definition

porcelain

noun

por·​ce·​lain ˈpōr-s(ə-)lən, ˈpȯr- 

: a hard, fine-grained, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and that has many uses in dentistry