Ceramics Vocabulary

This set of flashcards includes essential vocabulary terms related to ceramics, along with their definitions, to help students review key concepts for their exam.

cup

A small, bowl-shaped container for drinking from, typically having a handle.

rib

A rubber, metal or wooden tool used to smooth and shape clay.

slab

Pressed or rolled flat section of clay used in hand building.

wheel throwing

Creating ceramic shapes on the potter’s wheel.

bone dry

Completely dry, unfired clay.

grog

Fired and ground clay; used to reduce shrinkage in clay bodies.

slip

Liquid clay.

score

Joining pieces of clay by making scratches in the surfaces.

earthenware

A low fired clay.

porcelain

White, glass-like clay.

glaze

A glass-like surface coating used to decorate and seal the pores of the fired clay.

bisque firing

First firing at a low temperature.

coiling

Forming objects from rolls of clay.

kiln

Furnace/oven built of heat resistant materials to fire pieces.

fire

To heat a clay object in a kiln.

pinching

Moving and shaping clay with fingers.

potter’s wheel

A device with either a manual or electric rotating wheel.

wedging

Kneading a mass of clay to expel air and develop a uniform texture.

centering

Moving the clay into a symmetrical rotating axis in the middle of a wheel head.

functionalware

Pottery pieces that are made for a purpose, e.g. mugs, teapots, etc.

mould

A shape designed for casting.

body

The main part of the pot.

leather hard

Stiffened clay, but still moist enough to carve.

foot

Part of the pot that rests on the floor or table.

carving

A decoration technique in which lines are drawn into a clay surface.

teapot

A pot with a handle, spout, and lid where tea is brewed and poured.

bowl

A round, deep dish used for food or liquid.

stoneware

Ceramic ware fired at higher temperatures.

cone

A pyramid composed of clay and glaze, made to melt and bend at specific temperatures.

coil

A piece of clay rolled by hand like a rope.

plasticity

Workability; the ability to form shapes.

sgraffito

The technique of scratching away a coloured slip to reveal the clay underneath its surface.