tannic acid

[ tan-ik as-id ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a form of tannin with weak acidity, used commercially in dyes and wood stains; corrosion inhibitors; certain antihistamine, antitussive, and antidiarrhea medications; and especially wine, beer, and other beverages that benefit from its clarifying and aroma-enhancing properties: Aleppo galls are among the principal sources of tannic acid.

tannic acid

/ tăn′ĭk /

1. A lustrous, yellow-brown, amorphous substance, having the approximate chemical composition C 76 H 52 O 46 . It is derived from the bark and fruit of many plants and is used in tanning leather, in fixing dyes to materials, and in clarifying wine and beer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tannic acid¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

He showed that the fustin-tannide could be decomposed by acetic acid into tannic acid and a glucoside, fustin C46H42O21.

From Project Gutenberg

Its styptic properties are undoubtedly due to tannic acid, as all the tests I have been able to make prove this to be the case.

From Project Gutenberg

A teaspoonful of tannic acid should be added to the water in the jug prior to the commencement of the experiment.

From Project Gutenberg

As an external astringent, it is greatly inferior to tannic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

In direct opposition to this latter practise, Jurgens and Westphal apply alkali, ostensibly to lessen the "tannic acid" content.

From Project Gutenberg