What is the term for animal hides that have been stretched and cured?

The correct term for animal hides that have been stretched and cured is leather. This process involves treating the hide through various methods, which may include tanning, to preserve it and make it suitable for use in products like clothing, furniture, and accessories. Leather is prized for its durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular material in many industries.

The other terms are related but refer to different aspects of animal hides. Fur typically refers to the soft, fine hair that covers the skins of some animals and is often used in garments but is not synonymous with the cured skin itself. Skin can refer to the outer covering of an animal before it has been processed, while pelt is a term that typically refers to the hide of an animal with the fur still attached, which may not have undergone the curing process necessary to be considered leather. Thus, leather specifically denotes that the hide has been prepared and treated for further use, distinguishing it from these other terms.