Unfired pottery or ceramic ware that has been shaped but not yet hardened in a kiln.
Compound of 'green' (meaning unfinished or raw, from Old English 'grēne') and 'ware' (goods or merchandise from Old English 'waru'). In pottery, 'green' refers to the soft, clay state before firing.
Potters have used the term 'greenware' for centuries—the same metaphor where 'green' means 'raw' or 'unfinished' is why we call inexperienced people 'greenhorns' and rough lumber 'green wood.'
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