Adobe – Definition & Meaning

Adobe is a word that is commonly used in the field of architecture and construction. It refers to a building material that is made from mud, clay, and other organic materials. Adobe is known for its durability and insulating properties, which make it a popular choice for building homes and other structures in arid regions.

Definitions

Adobe is defined as a type of brick or building material made from sun-dried mud or clay. It is commonly used in the construction of homes and other structures in arid regions where wood and other building materials are scarce.

Origin

The word adobe comes from the Spanish word “adobar,” which means “to plaster.” The use of adobe as a building material dates back to ancient times, with evidence of adobe structures found in regions such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Americas.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, adobe is defined as “a brick or building material made of sun-dried earth and straw.” In the Oxford English dictionary, adobe is defined as “a building material made from clay, straw, and water, formed into bricks and dried in the sun.”

Associations

Adobe is often associated with the American Southwest, where it has been used for centuries to build homes and other structures. It is also associated with sustainability and eco-friendly building practices, as it is a natural and renewable building material.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for adobe include mud brick, clay brick, and earth block.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for adobe, as it is a specific type of building material. However, antonyms for the concept of building with natural and sustainable materials might include concrete, steel, and other non-renewable materials.

The same root words

The word adobe shares a root with other words in the Spanish language, such as adobar (to plaster), adobe (a brick or building material), and adobado (marinated or seasoned).

Example Sentences

1. The adobe walls of the old mission stood strong against the desert sun.
2. The builder used adobe bricks to construct the eco-friendly home.
3. The artist painted a beautiful landscape of an adobe village in the Southwest.
4. The adobe house was cool in the summer and warm in the winter, thanks to its insulating properties.
5. The archaeologists discovered ancient adobe structures dating back to the time of the Pharaohs.