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terra cotta

Syllabification: (ter·ra cot·ta)
Pronunciation: /ˈterə ˈkätə/

(also terracotta)
Definition of terra cotta

noun

  • unglazed, typically brownish-red earthenware, used chiefly as an ornamental building material and in modeling.
  • a statuette or other object made of terra cotta.
  • a strong brownish-red or brownish-orange color.

Origin:

early 18th century: from Italian terra cotta 'baked earth', from Latin terra cocta

Spelling help

Terra cotta can also be spelled as one word: terracotta. Both forms should be spelled with a double r and a double t: it is from an Italian phrase meaning 'baked earth'.

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