leathery
Meaning
having a tough, hard texture like leather
(of skin) tough and wrinkled, often from age or exposure
Structure
Usage
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.
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
- 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.