potsherd etymology

Etymology:

  • potsherd derives from Middle English potisherde, from Old English pott + sceard.
    • pott meaning "pot"
    • sceard meaning "a broken piece of pottery"

Meaning:

A potsherd is a fragment or broken piece of pottery, typically from an ancient ceramic vessel or other earthenware.

Origin:

Potsherds have been found in archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. They are often used by archaeologists to study ancient cultures and technologies. The study of potsherds is known as ceramology or ceramic archaeology.

Potsherds can provide valuable information about:

  • The type of pottery: different cultures and time periods often produced pottery with distinct shapes, designs, and materials.
  • The function of the vessel: cookware, storage containers, decorative items, etc.
  • The manufacturing techniques: hand-building, wheel-throwing, firing methods.
  • The daily life and activities: food preparation, trade, ritual practices.
  • The environment: climate, vegetation, and availability of resources.

Potsherds are important pieces of archaeological evidence that contribute to our understanding of past societies and their technological and cultural achievements.

potsherd relate terms

  • shard

    Etymology The word shard comes from the Middle English word schard which in turn or

  • ostracism

    Etymology Ancient Greek ὀστρακισμός ostrakismos Meaning The practic

  • tete

    Etymology The word tete has an uncertain etymology However there are several theorie

  • liturgy

    Etymology Liturgy is derived from two Greek words Leitos meaning public or com

  • secular

    Etymology The word secular derives from the Latin word saecularis which means perta

  • education

    Etymology The word education originates from the Latin word educere which literally

  • chivalry

    Etymology The word chivalry is derived from the Old French word chevalerie which in

  • Catholic

    Etymology The word Catholic is derived from the Greek adjective katholikos meaning

  • sentence

    Etymology The word sentence comes from the Latin word sententia meaning opinion j