Leathery

Leathery is an English adjective describing something that resembles leather in texture, feel, or appearance. It connotes toughness, resilience, and a dense yet flexible surface. The term derives from leather, the tanned animal hide used for goods, and is applied both literally to materials and figuratively to texture or feel.

In materials and design, leathery describes genuine leather as well as leather-like materials such as faux leather or vinyl. It can indicate a surface that is firm but pliable, with a low sheen and a subtle grain. Drying, aging, or tanning can intensify a leathery texture, and in synthetic laminates, texturing and coating can produce a leathery feel.

In botany and zoology, leathery describes tissues that are thick and tough. Leathery leaves have a thick cuticle and a firm, flexible blade, common in many evergreen or drought-tolerant species. Leathery skin or hides describe a thick, tough exterior produced by dermal and underlying tissues.

In food contexts, leathery describes a dry, tough texture, such as overcooked meat or dried fruit, and can also describe a dense, chewy crust in baked goods.

Leathery is a descriptive term across domains, signaling durability, density, and a certain stiffness. It is a qualitative observation used in everyday language rather than a precise scientific classification.