Definition of tannin
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
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Recent Examples of tannin from the Web
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Stick with young wines with lots of tannins and don’t mess with the Pinot Noir.
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Also, the wine's tealike tannins will cut through the richness of the meat.
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Its flavors are dense but balanced, with a firm grip of tannin and a meaty, muscular finish.
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Rynders quickly recognized that this site could produce grapes that were classic to the region — blue and black flavors, firm tannins — resulting in wines of distinction.
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Some of the tannins either get leached away or break down, softening flavor.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tannin'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of tannin
French, from tanner to tan
First Known Use: 1802
TANNIN Defined for English Language Learners
tannin
playDefinition of tannin for English Language Learners
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: a reddish acid that comes from plants, is used in making ink and leather, and occurs in various foods and drinks (such as wine)
TANNIN Defined for Kids
tannin
playDefinition of tannin for Students
: a substance often made from oak bark or sumac and used in tanning animal hides, dyeing fabric and yarn, and making ink
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about tannin
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See words that rhyme with tannin Spanish Central: Translation of tannin Nglish: Translation of tannin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tannin for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tannin
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