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

On the tanbark trail, the top status symbol is a private stateroom in the circus train.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ten-ton tanks, scout cars and motorcycles rumbled over the tanbark in Manhattan's Madison Square Garden last week.

From Time Magazine Archive

So would a horse that could play ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’ on the piano, but when it comes to dragging a hansom-cab or a grocery-wagon around the tanbark, why, it seems to me to lack novelty.”

From The Genial Idiot His Views and Reviews by Bangs, John Kendrick