terra sigillata
[ sig-uh-lah-tuh, sij-uh-ley-tuh ]
/ ˌsɪg əˈlɑ tə, ˌsɪdʒ əˈleɪ tə /
noun
Origin of terra sigillata
< New Latin or Italian, explained as “earth (i.e., earthenware) with incised decoration” (see
terra cotta,
sigillate), but apparently originally an adaptation of an earlier and Medieval Latin name for Lemnian earth (a clay mineral used as an astringent), perhaps associated with the pottery because of its red color
Words nearby terra sigillata
terra alba,
terra cotta,
terra firma,
terra incognita,
terra mater,
terra sigillata,
terra verde,
terra-cotta,
terrace,
terraced house,
terrachlor
British Dictionary definitions for terra sigillata
terra sigillata
/ (ˈtɛrə ˌsɪdʒɪˈlɑːtə) /
noun
rare
a reddish-brown clayey earth found on the Aegean island of Lemnos: formerly used as an astringent and in the making of earthenware pottery
any similar earth resembling this
earthenware pottery made from this or a similar earth, esp Samian ware
Word Origin for terra sigillata
from Latin: sealed earth