The term describes the state of unfired clay when it has lost nearly all of its physical water. At this stage, the material is extremely brittle and fragile, exhibiting minimal flexibility. An example would be a clay sculpture left to air dry for an extended period, becoming light in color and highly susceptible to breakage.
Achieving this condition is a crucial step in ceramic processes before bisque firing. Complete moisture removal prevents steam explosions within the kiln. Historically, craftspeople relied on ambient air drying for this phase, requiring patience and careful handling to avoid damage. Proper execution ensures structural integrity during subsequent high-temperature firing.