tanning industry
- noun
- /ˈtænɪŋ ˈɪndəstri/
- The tanning industry plays a vital role in transforming animal hides into durable leather products.
Examples
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Working conditions in the tanning industry have improved significantly over the past decade.
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Environmental regulations have greatly affected how the tanning industry disposes of waste.
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Many rural towns relied on jobs provided by the tanning industry.
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The tanning industry has faced many challenges in recent years.
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Many workers in the tanning industry are concerned about environmental regulations.
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In recent years, innovation in the tanning industry has led to more sustainable practices and eco-friendly products.
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Many students pursue careers related to the tanning industry due to its importance in the fashion and automotive sectors.
How Big
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward compositional noun phrase: 'tanning' (the activity of tanning — whether leather or cosmetic) combined with 'industry' (the commercial sector). A B1 learner who knows both words can reliably infer it refers to the commercial sector for tanning services/products; the meaning is literal and non-idiomatic.
Etymology
Tanning industry comes from the old process of using tree bark and other materials to treat animal hides; workers soaked hides in big vats so the skin turned brown and became strong. That's why the phrase refers to the businesses that process hides 'to make leather'.