earthenware
UK[ˈɜːθnweə]US[ˈɜːrθnwer]
n
a type of pottery that is baked but not glazed, and is usually reddish-brown in colour.
Morpheme Breakdown
earth
en
ware
earth
en
made of
ware
Etymology
the word 'earthenware' is a transparent english compound formed from native old english elements. its first element, 'earth', refers to the clay or soil from which the pottery is made. the suffix '-en' is attached to 'earth' to form the adjective 'earthen', meaning 'made of earth or clay'. this adjective then modifies the noun 'ware', a term for manufactured articles, particularly pottery. thus, the term literally and logically describes 'goods made of baked clay', a meaning that has remained consistent from its middle english origins to its modern use for a specific type of porous pottery.
Analysis
Structure: earth + en + ware
- earth (from old english 'eorþe', meaning ground, soil, dry land): denotes the material source.
- en (from old english '-en', an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'made of'): a derivational suffix indicating material composition.
- ware (from old english 'waru', meaning article of merchandise, manufactured goods): a noun suffix denoting manufactured items or goods.
Examples
the archaeologist carefully excavated fragments of ancient earthenware.
she prefers the rustic look of earthenware pots for her garden herbs.
the museum's collection includes fine examples of 18th-century english earthenware.