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 With its striking aromatics of tomatoes and olives, this powerful, expressive Greek red-grape variety boasts the boldness, tannins, and body required to stand up to any truffle or porcini dish. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023 Broken rocks, blackcurrants, fresh sage and black raspberry with fine tannins and a spicy finish. Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023 According to the cooperage, the T5 barrel is made from fine-grain wood that is seasoned in open air for five years before being assembled, and adds intense flavor, aroma, and tannins to any wine or spirit matured in this type of cask. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2023 The fruit and tannin of a good Burgundy linger in the mouth as a baguette is chewed, finding in its texture at once crunchy and pillowy, and its mild saltiness, the perfect cradle. Roger Cohen, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2023 Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, contains tannins. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 6 July 2023 Oxalic acid removes tannin stains, and chlorine bleach removes mildew stains. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2023 The toasting process breaks down starch and other polymers, called lignins and tannins, in the oak. Michael W. Crowder, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 The soft tannins and bright acidity typical of malbec grown in the Andes foothills is ideal for meals like this. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023 See More

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 5 Dec. 2023.

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

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