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.
This wall is made of rammed earth.
pottery paste; clay body
Prepared clay mixture used for making pottery, often kneaded to remove air bubbles and achieve uniform consistency.
The potter kneads the clay body before using the wheel.
Standard modern spelling using 練 (knead).
Abbreviated spelling without okurigana.
Variant using 煉 (refine/forge), less common in modern usage.
Abbreviated variant with 煉.
Compound of 練り (kneading) + 土 (earth, soil). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term straightforwardly describes kneaded earth or clay.