Coriaceous

Coriaceous describes something having the characteristics of leather; tough, leathery in texture, and often flexible. This word often suggests a resilience and durability reminiscent of tanned animal hides. The term implies a certain dryness, a lack of suppleness, and a natural, often somewhat coarse, feel. While not necessarily referring to genuine leather, 'coriaceous' can be applied to materials, natural features, or even figurative concepts that share this leather-like quality. The word evokes images of worn, weathered surfaces and long-lasting strength, highlighting a capacity to endure the stresses of time and use. It suggests a resistance to tearing and bending but can also allude to a lack of significant give or elasticity, focusing on the durability and roughness rather than refined aesthetics.

Coriaceous meaning with examples

• The old boots, worn and well-traveled, possessed a distinctly coriaceous texture; their leather was cracked and stiffened with age, yet they still retained their sturdy shape. They whispered of countless journeys, each scuff and wrinkle a testament to their resilience. The scent of dust and damp earth clung to the hardened material, a tangible echo of the miles they had covered.
• The weathered bark of the ancient oak tree presented a coriaceous surface, deeply furrowed and rugged. It was a testament to years of enduring sun and rain, a tough shield protecting the life within. Its rough exterior hinted at the tree's inner strength, a powerful symbol of endurance within a harsh and unforgiving landscape.
• The leaves of the plant, thick and leathery, had a coriaceous feel, able to withstand the scorching sun and arid conditions. Their resilient nature allowed them to thrive in an environment where other flora withered. The leaves were designed to reduce water loss, and their tough exterior suggested a life of endurance and robustness.
• His weathered hands, after years of hard labor, felt coriaceous to the touch, marked by callouses and lines that spoke volumes about his life's journey. The skin was like tough, tanned leather that had worked to perform his everyday tasks and build a livelihood for himself, and provide a sturdy foundation for all the things to come.
• The wind-battered sails of the ship, stretched taut, displayed a coriaceous surface, their canvas hardened by salt spray and sun. The sails would become rough, yet they retained the capacity to guide the ship. The weathered surface implied that the ship was ready to withstand long periods at sea, and able to endure the storms.