Dictionary

paper clay en · NOUN

Etymology

From paper + clay, from its use in the manufacture of paper and wallpaper.

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) Synonym of kaolin; also similarly uniform light-coloured clay composed of fine particles.
   • It is a good specimen of the variety of fire-clay, which is used for facing paperhangings, and is sold as paper clay. 1840, Henry Darwin Rogers, Description of the Geology of the State of New Jersey, New Jersey Geological Survey, p 101
2. (countable, uncountable) Clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibres, valued for its strength and light weight in the production of large ceramic works.
   • Ceramic paperclay contains a special balance of organic cellulose fibers (like those in recycled paper pulp) dispersed uniformly within a base of inorganic traditional clay. 1993, Rosette Gault, Paper Clay for Ceramic Sculptors: A Studio Companion, Seattle: Clear Light Books, published 2010:
   • [title] Paper/Clay and Method of Preparation 1998, Rosette Gault, Paper/Clay and Method of Preparation, United States Patent no. 5,726,111, USPTO

Forms

Synonyms

kaolin

Translations (6)

nl papierklei (clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibres) · ja 紙粘土 (clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibres) · ru паперклей (clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibres) · cmn 紙黏土 /纸黏土 (clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibres) · fi paperisavi (clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibres) · ko 지점토 (clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibres)