tanbark

American  

[tan-bahrk] / ˈtænˌbɑrk /

1. the bark of the oak, hemlock, etc., bruised and broken by a mill and used especially in tanning hides.

2. a surface covered with pieces of tanbark, especially a circus ring.

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tanbark British  

/ ˈtænˌbɑːk /

noun

1. Often shortened to: tan.  the bark of certain trees, esp the oak and hemlock, used as a source of tannin

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Etymology

Origin of tanbark

First recorded in 1790–1800; tan ¹ + bark ²

Example Sentences

Pity’s talent, which she seems to make up on the spot, is being able to eat anything, which she proves by picking up a handful of tanbark bits and swallowing them, splinters and all.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2022

It's sunny and earthbound at once, with scents of wild raspberries and tanbark, with an earthy bottom note — that's the Carignane, announcing itself.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2017

When the whistle blew, he slid easily to the tanbark, looking suddenly unnatural, only a man walking on his own two legs.

From Time Magazine Archive

Into the tanbark of the Moscow Circus rolled a huge papier-mach� head with bulbous nose, watery blue eyes and a patch of wispy hair made of brambles.

From Time Magazine Archive

Decayed wood, spent tanbark, and forest-leaves, are good for the cherry.

From Soil Culture by Walden, J. H.