leathery
UK: ˈleðəri | US: ˈleðəri
adj. having the tough, flexible texture of leather
adj. (figuratively) tough or resilient in quality
The word "leathery" combines "leather," derived from Old English leþer (meaning "animal hide processed for durability"), with the suffix "-y," which forms adjectives indicating a characteristic (e.g., "sticky," "sunny"). The term emerged in Middle English to describe objects or textures resembling leather's toughness and flexibility. Over time, it also gained figurative use to describe resilience or ruggedness in non-physical contexts.
The old sailor's hands were leathery from years of working on deck.
The plant's leaves had a leathery texture to withstand dry climates.
Her voice was leathery after decades of smoking.
The steak was overcooked and leathery.
He wore a leathery jacket that had weathered many storms.