Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic solids made from either metal or non- metal compounds that have been shaped and then hardened by heating to high temperatures. They are known for being hard, corrosion-resistant, brittle, and heat-resistant. The term "ceramic" comes from the Greek word meaning "pottery," and traditional ceramics are clay-based. However, modern ceramics also include advanced materials made from a wider range of inorganic non-metal materials. Ceramics have characteristics such as hardness, strength, low electrical conductivity, resistance to high temperatures, and brittleness. They are widely used in everyday life and industrial applications, including kitchen utensils, tiles, bricks, electronic components, space shuttle tiles, and artistic decorations. They can be glazed to create smooth, colored surfaces and have been used for both practical and decorative purposes throughout history. Ceramics encompass a variety of materials, including earthenware, porcelain, bricks, glass, and advanced engineering ceramics used in technology and medicine. In summary, ceramics are materials typically made by shaping and firing inorganic, non-metallic compounds that result in hard, brittle, and heat-resistant solids used across numerous fields and applications.