piele

Piele is a Romanian noun that denotes skin or hide, and is also used to refer to leather when treated as a material. In anatomy and medicine, it describes the integument covering the body. In everyday language, it can refer to the texture or condition of a person’s skin. In fashion and industry, the term is commonly used to designate leather, with phrases such as “piele naturală” (genuine leather) and “piele sintetică” (synthetic leather).

Etymology and cognates: Piele derives from the Latin pellis, a root shared with other Romance languages. The Romanian form is closely related to Italian pelle and Spanish piel, which reflect the same Latin origin. This common heritage is visible in related terms for leather and skin across Romance languages.

Usage notes: The definite form is piel ea, as in “pielea,” meaning “the skin.” Romanian also uses the word in compounds such as “piele de oaie” (sheepskin) and “piele naturală” (natural leather). Beyond biology and textiles, the word can appear in idiomatic expressions about skin health and protection.

See also: Leather, Dermatology, Integumentary system.