(1) The inner layer of skin (subcutaneous tissue), removed from the derma in leather manufacture.

The flesh side, which is removed in fleshing, accounts for 20-30 percent of the total weight of the skin. It is usually dried, frozen, or treated with lime suspension or dry lime to prevent decomposition under storage conditions. In addition to protein (primarily collagen) and fatty substances, it consists of approximately 75 percent water. The flesh side is used in the preparation of joiner’s glue and commercial gelatin.

(2) In the fur industry, an accepted term for the derma of the pelt.