porcelaine

Etymology
From (1298 AD). By metaphorical extension, also fine china, which had a similar appearance. From (13th century, in Marco Polo). From, the diminutive of , from , from.

Noun

 * 1) cowrie, a mollusk of the family, or its translucent shell
 * 2) porcelain, the translucent ceramic of fine china, or vessels made of this material