noun
rammed earth; pisé
A construction material made by compacting a mixture of earth, clay, and sometimes lime or gravel. Used in traditional and sustainable building techniques.
この壁は練り土で作られている。
This wall is made of rammed earth.
noun
pottery paste; clay body
Prepared clay mixture used for making pottery, often kneaded to remove air bubbles and achieve uniform consistency.
陶芸家は練り土をこねてからろくろを使う。
The potter kneads the clay body before using the wheel.
粘土 is raw clay or natural clay material, while 練り土 refers to clay that has been kneaded and prepared for use, or to rammed earth as a building material.
Compound of 練り (kneading) + 土 (earth, soil). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term straightforwardly describes kneaded earth or clay.