Definition:
Absorbency (noun) is the ability of the clay, including fired clay, to suck up moisture either from wet substances or from the atmosphere. Water is drawn into spaces between the clay particles.
Potters bisque their pots in order to take advantage of the ware's ability, at that stage, to still suck up moisture, which leads to better raw glaze adherence.
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Also Known As: absorbent (adj), absorb (verb)
Examples:
Outdoor pottery must have as little absorbency as possible in order to avoid water freezing inside the pot's walls and causing cracking.