DictionarygrainMaterial texture
noun / verb

grain

The natural or applied pattern of fibers or markings in a material.

The wood's grain runs along the length of the board.

Etymology

Grain originally named a seed or small particle. It extended to the texture or structure of materials, including the visible arrangement of fibers in wood.

More examples

  • She grained the painted surface to resemble oak.
  • Cut with the grain for a smoother finish.
  • The leather has a fine, even grain.

Forms

grain · grains · grained · graining

grainy adjective — showing a coarse or speckled texture

Similar words

texture
The surface character more generally.
pattern
Any repeated or organized markings.