clay

¹

[ kley ]

noun

1. a natural earthy material that is plastic when wet, consisting essentially of hydrated silicates of aluminum: used for making bricks, pottery, etc.
2. earth; mud.
3. earth, especially regarded as the material from which the human body was formed.
4. the human body, especially as distinguished from the spirit or soul; the flesh.
5. human character as estimated according to fineness of constitution, endowments, etc.:

   The saints and heroes seem of a different clay from most of us.

verb (used with object)

1. to treat or mix with clay; cover, daub, or fill with clay.
2. to filter through clay.

Clay

²

[ kley ]

noun

1. Bertha M. Charlotte Monica Braeme, 1836–84, English author: originator of a long series of romantic novels.
2. Cassius Marcellus, 1810–1903, U.S. antislavery leader and diplomat.
3. Cassius Marcellus, Jr., original name of Muhammad Ali.
4. Henry, 1777–1852, U.S. statesman and orator.
5. Lucius (Du·Bi·gnon) [doo-bin-, yon], 1897–1978, U.S. general.
6. a male given name.

Clay

¹

/ kleɪ /

noun

1. ClayCassius Cassius See Muhammad Ali
2. ClayHenry17771852MUSPOLITICS: statesmanPOLITICS: orator Henry. 1777–1852, US statesman and orator; secretary of state (1825–29)

clay

²

/ kleɪ /

noun

1. a very fine-grained material that consists of hydrated aluminium silicate, quartz, and organic fragments and occurs as sedimentary rocks, soils, and other deposits. It becomes plastic when moist but hardens on heating and is used in the manufacture of bricks, cement, ceramics, etc figuline
2. earth or mud in general
3. poetic.
   the material of the human body

verb

1. tr to cover or mix with clay

clay

/ klā /

1. A stiff, sticky sedimentary material that is soft and pliable when wet and consists mainly of various silicates of aluminum. Clay particles are smaller than silt, having a diameter less than 0.0039 mm. Clay is widely used to make bricks, pottery, and tiles.

Derived Forms

• ˈclayey, adjective

Other Words From

• clay·like adjective
• un·clayed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clay¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English clei, cleigh, Old English clǣg, cognate with Dutch klei, German Klei, akin to glue

Word History and Origins

Origin of clay¹

Old English clǣg; related to Old High German klīa, Norwegian kli, Latin glūs glue, Greek gloios sticky oil

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with clay , also see feet of clay .

Example Sentences

Five relievers have worked in at least three of the four games; Clay Holmes has worked in all four.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike the relief pitcher for the Yankees, this Clay Holmes is pulling for the Dodgers to bring the Commissioner’s Trophy back to Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a big success for developer Massive Monster and publisher Devolver Digital, who commissioned Scott, Clay and Sean to create a collection of heavy metal covers versions of the game's soundtrack.

From BBC

USC has lost four of its last five games and is being coached by someone who might go down as less popular among the fan base than Clay Helton.

From Los Angeles Times

Struggling closer Clay Holmes was demoted from the role after 13 blown saves.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brick
• earth
• mud
• terra cotta