texture
Definition
Texture is the physical property of a surface that is perceived through touch. It is caused by the size, shape, and arrangement of the surface's constituent particles.
Texture can be described in terms of its roughness, smoothness, hardness, softness, wetness, and other qualities. It can also be classified as either tactile or visual texture.
Tactile texture is the texture that is felt when we touch an object. Visual texture is the texture that is perceived by the eye.
Texture can be used to create a sense of realism in art and design. It can also be used to convey information about an object or material.
How can the word be used?
The wood has a rough texture.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- the way something feels when you touch it, for example, how smooth or rough it is.
- the arrangement of the parts of something, such as the fibres in fabric or the grains in wood.
Verb:
- to give something a particular texture.
Etymology
The word "texture" comes from the Latin word "textus", which means "a weaving, web, texture, structure".
The first recorded use of the word "texture" in English was in the 15th century.
The word "texture" is a cognate of the French word "texture" and the Spanish word "textura", both of which mean "texture".
The literal meaning of the word "texture" is "the way something is woven".
The word "texture" can be used to refer to the way something feels when you touch it, as well as to the arrangement of the parts of something.
Question
What is the word 'texture' used to describe?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of texture in the context of soil science. Describe the factors that influence soil texture and how it affects soil properties and plant growth. Provide an example of how soil texture can impact agricultural practices.
Answer:
Texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil, which significantly influence its properties and suitability for plant growth. Soil texture is determined by the sizes of these mineral particles and how they interact with each other.
Various factors contribute to soil texture, including parent material, climate, and time. Soils with higher proportions of sand particles have larger pore spaces, leading to rapid drainage but lower water and nutrient-holding capacities. In contrast, soils rich in clay particles have smaller pores, leading to water retention and nutrient availability but slower drainage.
Soil texture influences water movement, aeration, and nutrient availability, all of which affect plant growth. For example, sandy soils drain quickly and may require more frequent irrigation, while clay soils retain water but may be poorly aerated. Loam soils, with a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, are often preferred for agriculture due to their optimal water-holding capacity, drainage, and nutrient availability.
In agriculture, soil texture guides crop selection and management practices. Farmers may tailor their irrigation and fertilization strategies based on soil texture to optimize plant growth and yield. Understanding soil texture is essential for sustainable agricultural practices, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that promote efficient resource utilization and healthy plant development.