Claylike

Claylike describes a substance or material that possesses characteristics reminiscent of clay. This includes qualities such as being soft, pliable, and moldable when wet or damp; it can also refer to a texture that feels smooth, fine, and slightly sticky. Furthermore, a claylike material might exhibit a certain degree of opacity and the ability to retain a molded shape when dried or hardened. The term often implies a composition that is earthy, containing fine mineral particles, and readily susceptible to physical manipulation. Finally, claylike materials usually lack significant structural integrity until treated (such as through firing in a kiln).

Claylike meaning with examples

• The sediment at the riverbed was claylike, its dark grey mud oozing between their toes as they waded into the water. The children delighted in scooping up handfuls, squishing it between their fingers and fashioning crude sculptures. The texture provided a tactile experience vastly different from the rocky shoreline and was perfect for creating their fantasy kingdoms.
• After the rain, the soil in the garden became claylike, making it difficult to work. The gardener had to wait several days before the ground was dry enough to plant anything. The heavy, saturated earth clung to the tools and the gardener's boots making a mess of things. Despite the inconvenience, this meant the plants would receive more nutrients.
• The artist chose a claylike medium for her sculptures, which was a soft material that allowed for delicate forms. The substance allowed for a unique process, with each piece going through a process of formation and transformation. She enjoyed how it could be worked slowly, with imperfections easily corrected before it set, forming permanent forms.
• The plaster, when mixed with water, formed a claylike paste that the construction workers used to fill cracks in the walls. They skillfully smoothed it, and made sure that the seams blended seamlessly. The claylike consistency allowed them to easily apply the compound where needed, guaranteeing a watertight seal.