How Do You Spell CLAY?

Pronunciation: [klˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "clay" is spelled with four letters - c, l, a, and y. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /kleɪ/. The "c" is pronounced as /k/, the "l" as /l/, and the "a" as /eɪ/ (a diphthong that combines the sounds of "eh" and "ee"). Finally, the "y" is pronounced as /i/ (like in "sky"). Clay is a natural material that is composed of fine-grained minerals and is used in pottery, brick-making, and other applications.

CLAY Meaning and Definition

  1. Clay is a type of sedimentary rock or soil material that is composed mainly of fine particles with a diameter less than 0.002 millimeters. It is formed through the weathering and decomposition of rocks over long periods of time. Clay usually exhibits a plastic behavior when moist, allowing it to be easily molded and shaped. When dried, clay becomes hard and durable, making it suitable for various applications.

    In terms of its physical properties, clay possesses a high plasticity due to its ability to retain water and form cohesive masses. It typically has a smooth, sticky texture and can be easily molded into different forms, making it a favored material for pottery, sculpture, and building construction. Scientists classify clay into several categories based on its mineral composition, such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite.

    Clay has numerous practical uses in everyday life. It is widely employed in pottery and ceramics to create bowls, dishes, vases, and other decorative objects. The construction industry utilizes clay in the production of bricks, tiles, and clay-based composites. Additionally, clay is utilized in the making of cosmetics, paper, and drilling fluids. Its ability to retain moisture and nutrients also makes it valuable in agricultural applications, where it is used in soil amendments and as a medium for plant growth.

    In summary, clay is a fine-grained sedimentary material that is plastic when wet and hard when dry. It is extensively used in various industries, ranging from pottery and construction to cosmetics and agriculture, thanks to its unique properties and versatility.

  2. • the dead body of a human being
    • A tenacious, tough, and plastic kind of earth; earth in general; frailty; liability to decay.
    • To cover with clay; to purify and whiten with clay, as sugar.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CLAY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CLAY

Etymology of CLAY

The word "clay" comes from the Old English word "clǣg", which means "mud" or "earth". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "klajjō", which has the same meaning. This Proto-Germanic word is further related to the Old Norse word "kleigr" and the Dutch word "klei", both meaning "clay". Ultimately, the origin of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "glei", meaning "to stick together".

Idioms with the word CLAY

  • feet of clay The idiom "feet of clay" refers to a flaw or vulnerability in someone's character, often referring to a person who is admired or respected but is ultimately revealed to have faults or weaknesses. It suggests that despite their perceived strength or greatness, they have a hidden flaw that becomes evident over time, exposing their human imperfections.
  • potter's clay The idiom "potter's clay" refers to a pliable material, often used by potters, which can be molded and shaped into various forms. It symbolizes something or someone that is highly adaptable or easily influenced. It suggests the ability to be molded or changed according to circumstances or external factors.
  • have feet of clay The idiom "have feet of clay" refers to a person who is flawed or has weaknesses despite appearing strong or impressive. It describes someone who may have hidden imperfections or vulnerabilities that become apparent over time.
  • clay pigeon The idiom "clay pigeon" typically refers to a person or thing that is easy to target or criticize, often used in the context of being helpless or defenseless against potential attacks. It originates from the sport of shooting, particularly clay pigeon shooting, where clay targets are launched into the air to be shot at.

Similar spelling words for CLAY

Plural form of CLAY is CLAYS

Conjugate verb Clay

CONDITIONAL

I would clay
you would clay
he/she/it would clay
we would clay
they would clay

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be claying
you would be claying
he/she/it would be claying
we would be claying
they would be claying

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have clay
you would have clay
he/she/it would have clay
we would have clay
they would have clay

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been claying
you would have been claying
he/she/it would have been claying
we would have been claying
they would have been claying

FUTURE

I will clay
you will clay
he/she/it will clay
we will clay
they will clay

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be claying
you will be claying
he/she/it will be claying
we will be claying
they will be claying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have clayed
you will have clayed
he/she/it will have clayed
we will have clayed
they will have clayed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been claying
you will have been claying
he/she/it will have been claying
we will have been claying
they will have been claying

IMPERATIVE

you clay
we let´s clay

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to clay

PAST

I clayed
you clayed
he/she/it clayed
we clayed
they clayed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was claying
you were claying
he/she/it was claying
we were claying
they were claying

PAST PARTICIPLE

clayed

PAST PERFECT

I had clayed
you had clayed
he/she/it had clayed
we had clayed
they had clayed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been claying
you had been claying
he/she/it had been claying
we had been claying
they had been claying

PRESENT

I clay
you clay
he/she/it clays
we clay
they clay

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am claying
you are claying
he/she/it is claying
we are claying
they are claying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

claying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have clayed
you have clayed
he/she/it has clayed
we have clayed
they have clayed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been claying
you have been claying
he/she/it has been claying
we have been claying
they have been claying

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