What does vitric mean?
Vitric is an uncommon adjective meaning “of glass,” “glass-like,” or “resembling glass.” It can describe materials, surfaces, artistic objects, or processes that produce a glassy appearance or quality. The word is especially associated with specialist and formal writing, including discussions of glass, ceramics, art, and materials science, while vitreous is much more common in ordinary usage. In art and craft contexts, the phrase “vitric arts” refers to work involving glass. Because vitric can mean either literally made of glass or characteristically resembling glass, it is useful when precision about texture, composition, or appearance matters. Its unusual sound and direct connection to glass also make it an appealing word for writers seeking precise or evocative vocabulary.
adjectiveOf, resembling, or relating to glass; vitreous or glass-like.
- Of, resembling, or relating to glass; vitreous or glass-like.
"The artist specialized in vitric forms, creating delicate sculptures from cast glass."
"The artist specialized in vitric forms, creating delicate sculptures from cast glass."
"A vitric coating gave the metal a glossy, glass-like surface."
Vitric comes from the same Latin root as the familiar word glass, reflecting a history that links glassmaking with some of English’s most technical vocabulary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vitric
Vitric derives from Latin vitricus, meaning “of glass” or “glassy,” from vitrum, the Latin word for glass. English borrowed the adjective in the early 19th century, alongside related forms such as vitreous and vitrify that preserve the same Latin stem.
How vitric is actually used
Formal and relatively uncommon in modern English. It is most often encountered in technical, artistic, or historical contexts; vitreous is generally more familiar.