tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈta-nən How to pronounce tannin (audio)
1
: any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used especially in tanning leather and dyeing textiles, manufacturing ink, clarifying wine and beer, and in medicine
2
: a substance that has a tanning effect

Examples of tannin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Silky smooth tannins lead the way to flavors of red currant, cherry, clove, and raspberry with bracing minerality in the finish. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024 The round texture with supple tannins, like ribbons of silk caressing the palate, is impressive, with fresh tobacco notes that balance the generous fruit. Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Several studies have also found that tannins in tea and coffee bind with iron during digestion, reducing the amount that your body can absorb. Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2024 People have been using milk or cream to mellow the bitter tannins of black tea for centuries. Han Zhang, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tannin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tannin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from tanner to tan

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tannin was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near tannin

Cite this Entry

“Tannin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tannin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tannin

noun
tan·​nin ˈtan-ən How to pronounce tannin (audio)
: any of various substances from plants (as the oak or sumac) used in tanning leather, dyeing fabric and yarn, the making of ink, and in medicine

Medical Definition

tannin

noun
tan·​nin ˈtan-ən How to pronounce tannin (audio)
1
: any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used in tanning, dyeing, the making of ink, and in medicine as astringents and formerly in the treatment of burns
2
: a substance that has a tanning effect

More from Merriam-Webster on tannin

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