Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

terracotta

Noun

/ˌtɛrəˈkɒtə/

Definition

A clay-based ceramic that is typically reddish-brown in color, often used for pottery, tiles, and sculptures.

Examples

The artist used terracotta to create a beautiful vase.
Many ancient civilizations, including the Romans, utilized terracotta in their architecture.
The museum exhibits a collection of terracotta warriors from China.

Meaning

The term ‘terracotta’ comes from the Italian words ‘terra’ meaning earth and ‘cotta’ meaning cooked. It refers to a specific type of earthenware that is baked at a low temperature, resulting in a porous and durable medium.