First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
clay
noun, often attributive \ˈklā\
: a heavy, sticky material from the earth that is made into different shapes and that becomes hard when it is baked or dried
Full Definition of CLAY
1
a : an earthy material that is plastic when moist but hard when fired, that is composed mainly of fine particles of hydrous aluminum silicates and other minerals, and that is used for brick, tile, and pottery; specifically : soil composed chiefly of this material having particles less than a specified size b : earth, mud
2
a : a substance that resembles clay in plasticity and is used for modeling b : the human body as distinguished from the spirit c : fundamental nature or character <the common clay>
3
— clay·ey \ˈklā-ē\ adjective
— clay·ish \ˈklā-ish\ adjective
— clay·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See clay defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CLAY
Middle English, from Old English clǣg; akin to Old High German klīwa bran, Latin gluten glue, Middle Greek glia
Related to CLAY
- Synonyms
- character, nature, colors, complexion, constitution, genius, personality, self, tone
Rhymes with CLAY
a, ae, bay, bey, blae, brae, bray, chez, Cray, day, dey, dray, eh, fay, fey, flay, fley, frae, fray, Frey, gay, Gay, gey, gley, gray, hay, he, hey, Hue, j, jay, Jay, k, kay, Kay, lay, lei, may, nay, né, née, neigh, Ney, pay, pe, play, pray, prey, qua, quai, quay, Rae, ray, re, say, shay, slay, sleigh, spae, spay, Spey, splay, spray, stay, stray, sway, Tay, they, tray, trey, way, weigh, whey, yea
Clay
biographical name \ˈklā\
Definition of CLAY
Henry 1777–1852 Am. statesman & orator
Clay
biographical name
Definition of CLAY
Lucius Du Bi*gnon \du̇-ˈbin-yən\ 1897–1978 Am. gen.
CLAYEY Defined for Kids
clay
noun \ˈklā\
Definition of CLAY for Kids
1
: an earthy material that is sticky and easily molded when wet and hard when baked
2
: a substance like clay that is used for modeling
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