leathery
UK[ˈleðəri]US[ˈleðəri]
adj
having a tough, hard texture like leather
adj
(of skin) tough and wrinkled, often from age or exposure
Morpheme Breakdown
leather
y
leather
material
y
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'leathery' is a straightforward english formation, combining the native english noun 'leather' with the productive adjectival suffix '-y'. the old english noun 'leþer' has germanic origins, related to dutch 'leder' and german 'leder', all referring to prepared animal hide. the suffix '-y', from old english '-ig', is a common and ancient germanic derivational tool for creating descriptive adjectives, indicating possession or resemblance. therefore, 'leathery' literally means "having the qualities of leather," specifically its toughness and durability, a meaning that has remained transparent and consistent since its formation.
Analysis
Structure: leather (material) + y (adjective suffix)
- leather: from old english 'leþer', meaning the tanned hide of an animal. functional role: the core noun root providing the central semantic concept.
- y: from old english '-ig', a suffix used to form adjectives meaning "characterized by; full of; having the quality of". functional role: derivational suffix that converts a noun into an adjective.
Examples
the old sailor had a leathery face from years in the sun and wind.
the plant's leaves were thick and leathery to the touch.
he cooked the steak until it became unpleasantly leathery.