tannin

tan·nin

noun \ˈta-nən\

Definition of TANNIN

1

: any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used especially in tanning leather and dyeing fabric, manufacturing ink, clarifying wine and beer, and in medicine

2

: a substance that has a tanning effect

Origin of TANNIN

French, from tanner to tan

First Known Use: 1802

Rhymes with TANNIN

cannon, canon

tan·nin

noun \ˈtan-ən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TANNIN

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

tannin

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a group of pale yellow to light brown amorphous substances widely distributed in plants and used chiefly in tanning leather, dyeing fabric, and making ink. Their solutions are acid and have an astringent taste. They are isolated from oak bark, sumac, myrobalan (an Asian tree), and galls. Tannins give tea astringency, colour, and some flavour. Tannins are used industrially to clarify wine and beer, reduce viscosity of oil-well drilling mud, and prevent scale in boiler water; they have also had medical uses.

Variants of TANNIN

tannin or tannic acid