a soft earth, which is plastic, or may be molded with the hands, consisting of hydrous silicate of aluminium. it is the result of the wearing down and decomposition, in part, of rocks containing aluminous minerals, as granite. lime, magnesia, oxide of iron, and other ingredients, are often present as impurities.-earth in general, as representing the elementary particles of the human body; hence, the human body as formed from such particles.-to cover or manure with clay.-to clarify by filtering through clay, as sugar.