soft paste

noun

1
: a ceramic body containing refined clay and a glassy frit
2
or soft-paste porcelain : a soft low-fired translucent ware with a soft-paste body produced in Europe from the 15th through the 18th century compare hard paste
3
: a fine-grained opaque Chinese ceramic ware related to true porcelain but having part of the kaolin replaced by pegmatite and usually being fired twice
4
: a lightweight soft opaque clay body (as of early Staffordshire)

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of soft paste was in 1848

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near soft paste

Cite this Entry

“Soft paste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft%20paste. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!