arcilla

clay

noun ahr-SEE-yah Rare

Origin: From Latin argilla, from Greek argillos ('white clay').

Usage Note

Arcilla is the fine-grained sedimentary material used in pottery, ceramics, and brick-making. In tennis, pista de arcilla (clay court) is the standard term — the French Open's courts are commonly called tierra batida but arcilla is used interchangeably in Spanish sports reporting. In soil science, suelo arcilloso means clayey soil.

Examples

"El alfarero moldea la arcilla en el torno."

Natural Translation

The potter shapes the clay on the wheel.

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