PORCELAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is distinctive for its delicate and translucent qualities. It is a hard, white, and vitrified substance composed primarily of a fine clay known as kaolin, which is mixed with a feldspathic rock called petuntse and fired at high temperatures. The resulting material is strong, durable, and resistant to thermal shock.
Porcelain is renowned for its aesthetic appeal and has been used for centuries in the creation of various decorative and functional items, such as dinnerware, vases, figurines, and bathroom fixtures. Its smooth and lustrous surface, coupled with its ability to be molded into intricate shapes, makes it highly coveted.
One of the defining characteristics of porcelain is its ability to transmit light. When held up against a source of light, such as a candle, porcelain exhibits a subtle translucency that gives it an ethereal quality. Furthermore, this material is known for its resistance to staining and impermeability, making it an ideal choice for food service items where hygiene is crucial.
The term "porcelain" originated from the Italian word "porcellana," which referred to a type of seashell. This was presumably due to the resemblance between the shell's whiteness and smoothness and the finish of early porcelain. Over time, porcelain has evolved and significantly contributed to the development of different cultures' artistic practices, being considered a symbol of luxury, refinement, and craftsmanship. Today, it continues to be highly valued and sought after in various forms of art and design.
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• The finest species of earthenware, white and semi-transparent, originally imported from China and Japan; china-ware.
• Belonging to or resembling porcelain.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PORCELAIN *
* 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 PORCELAIN
Etymology of PORCELAIN
The word "porcelain" has its origins in the Italian word "porcellana", which in turn comes from the old Italian word "porcella", meaning "cowrie shell". Cowrie shells were highly valued in trade due to their shiny, white appearance. When Marco Polo and other medieval traders encountered Chinese ceramics, particularly those with a translucent, white appearance, they referred to them as "porcellana" due to their resemblance to cowrie shells. The term eventually evolved to "porcelain" in English, and it became the widely used term to describe fine, translucent ceramicware made from a specific type of clay.
Idioms with the word PORCELAIN
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bow to the porcelain altar
The idiom "bow to the porcelain altar" is a humorous or slang expression that refers to vomiting or being physically ill, specifically while leaning over or kneeling in front of a toilet bowl.
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pray to the porcelain god
The idiom "pray to the porcelain god" refers to the act of vomiting or losing one's stomach contents into a toilet. It humorously emphasizes the physical position and actions similar to those of praying, as someone leans over the toilet bowl while being sick.
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drive the porcelain bus
The idiom "drive the porcelain bus" is a humorous or slang expression that refers to vomiting or throwing up, particularly when a person becomes sick and needs to lean over a toilet or a porcelain bowl to do so.
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ride the porcelain bus
The idiom "ride the porcelain bus" is a humorous and informal way of referring to vomiting or experiencing nausea and vomiting, particularly while using the toilet. It is often used to describe the act of vomiting with a sense of humor or to make light of an unpleasant situation.
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hug the porcelain god
The idiom "hug the porcelain god" is a colloquial expression that refers to vomiting or being sick in a toilet. It humorously compares the person's actions to hugging or embracing the toilet bowl, which is often made of porcelain.
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kiss the porcelain god
The idiom "kiss the porcelain god" refers to the act of vomiting or throwing up, specifically into a toilet. It conveys the image of bending over a toilet bowl (often made of porcelain) while being sick.
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hug the porcelain god(dess)
The idiom "hug the porcelain god(dess)" is a colloquial and humorous way of describing the act of vomiting or leaning over a toilet bowl while being sick. It refers to the action of embracing (or hugging) the toilet, which is jokingly referred to as a "porcelain god(dess)" due to its association with relief during moments of illness.
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worship the porcelain god(dess)
The idiom "worship the porcelain god(dess)" is a humorous slang term used to describe the act of vomiting or experiencing nausea and vomiting, typically while kneeling in front of a toilet bowl.
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worship the porcelain goddess
The idiom "worship the porcelain goddess" is a colloquial expression that is used to describe the act of vomiting or experiencing nausea that often leads to vomiting. It is typically used humorously or sarcastically to refer to someone being sick or having an upset stomach. The phrase alludes to the person bending over or kneeling in front of a toilet bowl, resembling a posture of worship.
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hug the porcelain goddess
The idiom "hug the porcelain goddess" is a humorous or slang phrase that refers to the act of vomiting or being sick, particularly when one leans over or embraces a toilet bowl (often made from porcelain) during the process.
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worship the porcelain god
The idiom "worship the porcelain god" refers to the act of vomiting or being physically sick, typically into a toilet bowl. It is a lighthearted or humorous way of describing the unpleasant experience of throwing up.
Similar spelling words for PORCELAIN
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