Pôr'çe-lain, n.

(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. porcelaine, Sp. & Pg. porcelana, It. porcellana, originally the porcelain-shell (Cypraea porcelana), from Lat. porcus, the private parts of a female, because the opening of this shell resembled them. Porcelain was called after this shell, either on account of its smoothness and whiteness, or because it was believed to be made from it.] 1. A fine, translucent kind of earthen ware, made first in China and Japan, but now in Europe and America; — called also China, or China ware. Porcelain, by being pure, is apt to break. Dryden. 2. (Bot.) A plant; purslain. Ainsworth.