Dictionary

Raku en · PROPN · etymology 1

Etymology

From Japanese 楽 (raku, “fun, delightful”). A seal engraved with this word was marked on the early pieces. It was the title and seal used by 15 generations of potters.

Meanings

1. A style of Japanese pottery, considered the traditional style for the pottery used in the Japanese tea ceremony; (especially capitalized) such pottery made by the Raku family.
   • Raku bowls are of two types. The red Raku is made from a reddish earthenware clay and is glazed with a lead glaze. 1968, Daniel Rhodes, Kilns: Design, Construction and Operation, page 180:
   • Koetsu learned the technique of Raku pottery from the Raku potter Kichizaemon Jokei (1561-1635) and his son Nonko (aka Donyu; 1599-1656), who also had the name Kichibei. 1989, Chanoyu Quarterly, number 58, page 38:
   • 2010, John Mathieson, Techniques Using Slips, Chapter 6: Slips and Raku, page 53, As a technique, raku seems to encourage experimentation.
2. The English transliteration of a Japanese surname; specifically, that of the family traditionally licensed to manufacture the pottery.

Forms

Deriveds

rakuware

Raku en · PROPN · etymology 2

Etymology

Probably a clipping of rakudo, the standard compiler, from Japanese 駱駝 (rakuda, “camel”), an allusion to the traditional symbol of the Perl language.

Meanings

1. A programming language derived from Perl.
   • Many programming paradigms have influenced Raku. It has started its life under the name “Perl 6” but has been renamed in 2019 to break the illusion that it is just another version of Perl. 2020, Moritz Lenz, Raku Fundamentals, 2nd edition, Apress, →ISBN, page 1: