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
Example Sentences
The bowl is made of porcelain.
Recent Examples on the Web Inside, the two-story pad has an airy, contemporary feel thanks to 26-foot ceilings, multiple glass chandeliers and Italian porcelain walls and flooring. 
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2022 The attic floor was covered with personal papers, and rooms were scattered with porcelain knickknacks and shoes. Chris Moody, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 Handmade with porcelain, these delicate little succulent earrings would look so precious on a plant lover's lobes. Corinne Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 7 Sep. 2022 An Italian porcelain mezzo fireplace stretches to the ceiling, creating a stunning visual whether viewed from above or below. Brianna Griff, Chron, 4 Sep. 2022 Usually, porcelain-coated grill grates are made of either iron or steel beneath the surface. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2022 One of Kyocera’s early jobs was supplying porcelain parts for Panasonic television sets. Chieko Tsuneoka, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 These thin engravings were usually made from translucent materials like porcelain or wax. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Aug. 2022 The handwoven English suitcase-style carryall comes with two each of seven-inch porcelain plates, five-ounce mugs and three-piece utensil sets, plus a salt and shaker set and a waiter’s style corkcrew. Nicole Charky-chami, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Aug. 2022 See More
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2022 The attic floor was covered with personal papers, and rooms were scattered with porcelain knickknacks and shoes. Chris Moody, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 Handmade with porcelain, these delicate little succulent earrings would look so precious on a plant lover's lobes. Corinne Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 7 Sep. 2022 An Italian porcelain mezzo fireplace stretches to the ceiling, creating a stunning visual whether viewed from above or below. Brianna Griff, Chron, 4 Sep. 2022 Usually, porcelain-coated grill grates are made of either iron or steel beneath the surface. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2022 One of Kyocera’s early jobs was supplying porcelain parts for Panasonic television sets. Chieko Tsuneoka, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 These thin engravings were usually made from translucent materials like porcelain or wax. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Aug. 2022 The handwoven English suitcase-style carryall comes with two each of seven-inch porcelain plates, five-ounce mugs and three-piece utensil sets, plus a salt and shaker set and a waiter’s style corkcrew. Nicole Charky-chami, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Aug. 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
porcelain
noun
por·ce·lain ˈpȯr-sə-lən
: a hard white product of baked clay used especially for dishes, tile, and decorative objects
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
porcelains
noun
as in potteries
a ceramic ware made from a hard, white substance that is very delicate The family only used their porcelain for their formal Christmas dinner. Synonyms & Similar Words
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