A bank kiln is a type of kiln used for firing clay products such as bricks, tiles, and pottery. It is an ancient technology that has been used for thousands of years and is still in use today. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bank kiln, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
A bank kiln is a type of kiln that is built into a hillside or bank, with the firing chamber located at the bottom. The kiln is loaded from the top, and the products are fired by burning fuel in the bottom of the chamber. The heat rises through the products, and the smoke and gases are drawn out through vents at the top of the kiln.
Origin
The bank kiln is an ancient technology that has been used for thousands of years. It was first developed in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and was later adopted by other cultures around the world. The technology was introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages, where it was used for firing pottery, tiles, and bricks.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bank kiln is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a type of kiln built into a bank or hillside, with the firing chamber at the bottom and the products loaded from the top.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a kiln built into a bank or hillside for firing pottery or bricks.”
Associations
Bank kilns are associated with traditional methods of firing clay products. They are often used by small-scale potters and brick makers who cannot afford the cost of modern kilns. Bank kilns are also associated with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, as they use natural materials and do not require electricity.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for bank kiln, but it can be described as a type of traditional kiln or hillside kiln.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bank kiln are modern kilns, which are typically electric or gas-fired and use advanced technology to control the firing process.
The same root words
There are no root words associated with bank kiln.
Example Sentences
- The potter fired his clay pots in a bank kiln using wood as fuel.
- The brick maker built a bank kiln into the hillside behind his workshop.
- The traditional bank kiln was replaced by a modern electric kiln in the pottery factory.