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n. 1. A structure of interwoven fibers or other elements. 2. The distinctive physical composition or structure of something, especially with respect to the size, shape, and arrangement of its parts: the texture of sandy soil; the texture of cooked fish. 3. a. The appearance and feel of a surface: the smooth texture of soap. b. A rough or grainy surface quality: Brick walls give a room texture. 4. Distinctive or identifying quality or character: "an intensely meditative poet [who] conveys the religious and cultural texture of time spent in a Benedictine monastery" (New York Times). 5. The quality given to a piece of art, literature, or music by the interrelationship of its elements: "The baroque influence in his music is clear here, with the harmonic complexity and texture" (Rachelle Roe). tr.v. tex·tured, tex·tur·ing, tex·tures To give texture to, especially to impart desirable surface characteristics to: texture a printing plate by lining and stippling it. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin textūra, from textus, past participle of texere, to weave; see TEXT.] textur·al adj. textur·al·ly adv. textured adj. |
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