porcelain
POR-suh-lin
/ˈpɔːrsəlɪn/
A white vitrified translucent ceramic; clay-based material used for high-quality bathroom fixtures.
Implies a high-quality, durable, non-porous ceramic material, superior to standard earthenware.
The story behind the word. When Italian explorer Marco Polo brought Chinese ceramic vessels back to Europe, people noticed the material's smooth, translucent surface resembled the shiny shell of the cowrie shell, known in Italian as 'porcellana' (literally 'little pig', because the shell's shape resembled a pig's back). The name stuck to the ceramic.
Word relationships
- ceramic: 'Ceramic' is a broad category that includes terracotta and stoneware; 'porcelain' is a specific, highly refined subtype fired at extreme temperatures.
- china: 'China' is typically used for tableware and fine dishes, while 'porcelain' is used for both dishes and heavy sanitary fixtures.
Commonly confused with
- enameled cast iron: Enameled cast iron has a metal core coated in glass-like enamel, whereas solid porcelain is made entirely of fired clay.
Collocations
- porcelain sink
- porcelain tile
- porcelain tub
- white porcelain
Example sentences
- "The clawfoot tub was made of heavy cast iron coated in smooth white porcelain." Describing a classic bathroom design.
- "Avoid using abrasive scrubbers on the porcelain sink to prevent scratching the glaze." A warning about cleaning delicate bathroom surfaces.
Memory hook
Think of a 'poor' pig ('porcella') whose shiny shell-like skin became the name for expensive 'porcelain' sinks. Porcelain: Shiny, glassy ceramic.
When not to use
Do not use 'porcelain' to describe cheap plastic or acrylic tubs, even if they are white.
Fun facts
- Porcelain is fired at temperatures up to 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit, making it incredibly hard and completely waterproof even without a glaze.
Explore more words
durable, grout, translucent, transparent, polished, whiteboard
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