Terracota Meaning and Definition
Terracota
Pronunciation
/ˈtɛrəkoʊtə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of earthenware, often used for planters, vases, and other decorative items, characterized by its reddish-brown color and coarse texture.
Examples
- The terracota planter on her balcony held a lush fern.
- She chose a terracota vase to display her favorite flowers.
- The artist created a beautiful sculpture from terracota clay.
- She lovingly arranged the terracota figurines on her shelf.
Synonyms
- Earthenware
- Redware
Antonyms
- Glazed
- Porcelain
Etymology
From Italian terra cotta, meaning “baked earth”, from terra “earth” and cotta “baked”.
Usage Notes
Terracota is often used to describe decorative items, but it can also refer to the material itself.
Cultural References
In various cultures, terracota has been used for centuries to create decorative and functional items, such as vases, planters, and sculptures.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None
Related Words or Phrases
- Clay
- Earthen
- Unfired
Collocations
- terracota vase
- terracota planter
- terracota sculpture
Frequency of Use
Terracota is a relatively uncommon word in everyday language, but it is often used in artistic and cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Terra Cotta
- Terra Cotah
- Terracatat