Definition

1. Noun:
   • The feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance: This refers to the physical quality of something as perceived by touch or sight, often relating to its roughness, smoothness, grain, or weave.
   • The structure or composition of the constituent parts of something: This meaning refers to the arrangement of the smaller parts that make up a whole, such as the particles in a substance or the elements in an artistic work.
   • The character or quality of something: This describes the distinctive nature or essence of an abstract concept, such as life or an experience.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The wall had a smooth texture. (This describes the tactile feel of the wall's surface.)
  • Breadfruit has the same texture as bread. (This compares the physical consistency of two foods.)
  • The fine texture of the poem was admired by critics. (This refers to the intricate composition or structure of the literary work.)
  • The texture of Neapolitan life is vibrant and chaotic. (This describes the essential quality or character of life in that place.)

Advanced Usage

• In music: Refers to the way melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic materials are combined in a composition, determining its overall sound fabric.
  • A fugue typically has a contrapuntal texture.
  • Then another melodic line is added to the texture.
• In art and design: Describes the visual and tactile surface quality of a material or an artwork.
  • The painter used thick impasto to create a rich texture.

Variants and Related Words

• Textural (adj): Relating to texture.
  • The textural differences between silk and burlap are obvious.
• Textured (adj): Having a particular texture, especially one that is not smooth.
  • They used a textured wallpaper for the feature wall.

Synonyms

• Feel: The tactile quality of a surface.
• Consistency: The way in which a substance holds together; its density or firmness.
• Grain: The arrangement or size of the particles in a substance like wood or stone.
• Weave: The pattern in which a fabric is woven, affecting its texture.
• Fabric (figurative): The underlying structure or essence of something.

Related Phrases

• To add texture to: To make something more interesting or complex by introducing variety.
  • Spices add texture to the flavor profile of the dish.
• A change in texture: A noticeable difference in the feel or composition of something.
  • The sauce underwent a change in texture as it reduced.

Related Idioms

• The texture of (life/experience): Used to describe the complex, multifaceted nature of an abstract concept.
  • Her novel captures the rich texture of immigrant life.

Noun

1. the physical composition of something (especially with respect to the size and shape of the small constituents of a substance)
   • breadfruit has the same texture as bread
   • sand of a fine grain
   • fish with a delicate flavor and texture
   • a stone of coarse grain
2. the characteristic appearance of a surface having a tactile quality
3. the musical pattern created by parts being played or sung together
   • then another melodic line is added to the texture
4. the essential quality of something
   • the texture of Neapolitan life
5. the feel of a surface or a fabric
   • the wall had a smooth texture