CLAY Meaning and
Definition
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Clay is a type of sedimentary rock or soil material that is composed mainly of fine particles with a diameter less than 0.002 millimeters. It is formed through the weathering and decomposition of rocks over long periods of time. Clay usually exhibits a plastic behavior when moist, allowing it to be easily molded and shaped. When dried, clay becomes hard and durable, making it suitable for various applications.
In terms of its physical properties, clay possesses a high plasticity due to its ability to retain water and form cohesive masses. It typically has a smooth, sticky texture and can be easily molded into different forms, making it a favored material for pottery, sculpture, and building construction. Scientists classify clay into several categories based on its mineral composition, such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite.
Clay has numerous practical uses in everyday life. It is widely employed in pottery and ceramics to create bowls, dishes, vases, and other decorative objects. The construction industry utilizes clay in the production of bricks, tiles, and clay-based composites. Additionally, clay is utilized in the making of cosmetics, paper, and drilling fluids. Its ability to retain moisture and nutrients also makes it valuable in agricultural applications, where it is used in soil amendments and as a medium for plant growth.
In summary, clay is a fine-grained sedimentary material that is plastic when wet and hard when dry. It is extensively used in various industries, ranging from pottery and construction to cosmetics and agriculture, thanks to its unique properties and versatility.
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• the dead body of a human being
• A tenacious, tough, and plastic kind of earth; earth in general; frailty; liability to decay.
• To cover with clay; to purify and whiten with clay, as sugar.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CLAY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CLAY
Etymology of CLAY
The word "clay" comes from the Old English word "clǣg", which means "mud" or "earth". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "klajjō", which has the same meaning. This Proto-Germanic word is further related to the Old Norse word "kleigr" and the Dutch word "klei", both meaning "clay". Ultimately, the origin of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "glei", meaning "to stick together".
Idioms with the word CLAY
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feet of clay
The idiom "feet of clay" refers to a flaw or vulnerability in someone's character, often referring to a person who is admired or respected but is ultimately revealed to have faults or weaknesses. It suggests that despite their perceived strength or greatness, they have a hidden flaw that becomes evident over time, exposing their human imperfections.
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potter's clay
The idiom "potter's clay" refers to a pliable material, often used by potters, which can be molded and shaped into various forms. It symbolizes something or someone that is highly adaptable or easily influenced. It suggests the ability to be molded or changed according to circumstances or external factors.
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have feet of clay
The idiom "have feet of clay" refers to a person who is flawed or has weaknesses despite appearing strong or impressive. It describes someone who may have hidden imperfections or vulnerabilities that become apparent over time.
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clay pigeon
The idiom "clay pigeon" typically refers to a person or thing that is easy to target or criticize, often used in the context of being helpless or defenseless against potential attacks. It originates from the sport of shooting, particularly clay pigeon shooting, where clay targets are launched into the air to be shot at.
Similar spelling words for CLAY
- cl,
- lay,
- clan,
- clio,
- slay,
- clam,
- Cleo,
- play,
- Cloe,
- clue,
- claw,
- cli,
- clap,
- clayey,
- clew,
- clow,
- cloy,
- clad.
Conjugate verb Clay
CONDITIONAL
I
would clay
you
would clay
he/she/it
would clay
we
would clay
they
would clay
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be claying
you
would be claying
he/she/it
would be claying
we
would be claying
they
would be claying
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have clay
you
would have clay
he/she/it
would have clay
we
would have clay
they
would have clay
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been claying
you
would have been claying
he/she/it
would have been claying
we
would have been claying
they
would have been claying
FUTURE
I
will clay
you
will clay
he/she/it
will clay
we
will clay
they
will clay
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be claying
you
will be claying
he/she/it
will be claying
we
will be claying
they
will be claying
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have clayed
you
will have clayed
he/she/it
will have clayed
we
will have clayed
they
will have clayed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been claying
you
will have been claying
he/she/it
will have been claying
we
will have been claying
they
will have been claying
IMPERATIVE
you
clay
we
let´s clay
to clay
PAST
I
clayed
you
clayed
he/she/it
clayed
we
clayed
they
clayed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was claying
you
were claying
he/she/it
was claying
we
were claying
they
were claying
PAST PARTICIPLE
clayed
PAST PERFECT
I
had clayed
you
had clayed
he/she/it
had clayed
we
had clayed
they
had clayed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been claying
you
had been claying
he/she/it
had been claying
we
had been claying
they
had been claying
PRESENT
I
clay
you
clay
he/she/it
clays
we
clay
they
clay
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am claying
you
are claying
he/she/it
is claying
we
are claying
they
are claying
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
claying
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have clayed
you
have clayed
he/she/it
has clayed
we
have clayed
they
have clayed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been claying
you
have been claying
he/she/it
has been claying
we
have been claying
they
have been claying
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