tannin

[ tan-in ]

/ ˈtæn ɪn /

Save This Word!

noun

Chemistry. any of a group of astringent vegetable principles or compounds, chiefly complex glucosides of catechol and pyrogallol, as the reddish compound that gives the tanning properties to oak bark or the whitish compound that occurs in large quantities in nutgalls. See also tannic acid.

any of these compounds occurring in wine and imparting an astringent taste, especially in red wine.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of tannin

First recorded in 1795–1805; earlier tanin, from French; see origin at tan¹, -in²

OTHER WORDS FROM tannin

non·tan·nin, noun

Words nearby tannin

Tannhäuser, tannic, tannic acid, tannie, tanniferous, tannin, tanning, tanning bed, tannish, Tannoy, tan oak

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tannin in a sentence

The Edisto gets its color from ages of decaying vegetation, which leaches tannins into the water but also supports a unique ecosystem of flora and fauna.
Add These 5 Backcountry Lodges to Your Adventure Bucket List|elessard|August 12, 2021|Outside Online
Older barrels add less wood tannin, leaving the wine softer and easier to drink at a young age.
An iconic wine label is blending Aussie and American wines — and it’s working|Dave McIntyre|March 26, 2021|Washington Post
Its wine is juicy and rustic, with a bit of tannin for heft and vibrant acidity for refreshment.
These 3 delicious wines are kosher for Passover and start at $12|Dave McIntyre|March 12, 2021|Washington Post
Acidity and tannins will soften up, and sugar will integrate in the end bring more drinkability to the wine.
Why right now is the time to start aging your wine collection|Rachel King|October 4, 2020|Fortune

As the tannins soften the wine will feel lighter in body, so a 20-year-old Barolo will feel less intense than one that’s five years old.
Why right now is the time to start aging your wine collection|Rachel King|October 4, 2020|Fortune
Spanish oak, which has an open grain and high levels of tannin, gives you dried fruit, spice, and even chocolate flavors.
How Much Do Whisky Casks Really Affect Taste?||December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sorry, tannin fans: “In contrast to results for coffee, no effect was observed for drinking tea,” the authors avow.
Can Coffee Save Your Life?|Anneli Rufus|October 28, 2011|DAILY BEAST
And yet, late last week, Cioffi and Tannin were found not guilty of all charges.
Wall Street Will Walk|Charlie Gasparino|November 16, 2009|DAILY BEAST
To be sure, the case against Cioffi and Tannin, such as it is, has some noteworthy elements.
Prosecutors Fumble Wall Street Probes|Charlie Gasparino|September 17, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The two Bear Stearns hedge funds, run by Ralph Cioffi and Matthew Tannin, traded with Goldman.
The Unnecessary Meltdown|William D. Cohan|September 14, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Tannin is also important and is employed to some extent in the Philippines, being generally obtained from the mangrove tan barks.
Philippine Mats|Hugo H. Miller
Red or green straws are turned dark gray by burying them in mud to which certain substances (usually containing tannin) are added.
Philippine Mats|Hugo H. Miller
A small portion of hyposulphite of soda mixed with vinegar will make a good cleaner for teacups having tannin stains.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
In the past few years many companies have been formed for cutting wood in the Gran Chaco and also for extracting tannin.
Argentina|W. A. Hirst
Tan, or tannin, as it is more correctly called, is a substance of a friable texture and a highly pronounced but hygienic odour.
Mr. Punch's History of Modern England Vol. IV of IV.|Charles L. Graves

British Dictionary definitions for tannin

tannin

/ (ˈtænɪn) /

noun

any of a class of yellowish or brownish solid compounds found in many plants and used as tanning agents, mordants, medical astringents, etc. Tannins are derivatives of gallic acid with the approximate formula C 76 H 52 O 46Also called: tannic acid

Word Origin for tannin

C19: from French tanin, from tan 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for tannin

tannin

[ tăn′ĭn ]

Any of various compounds, including tannic acid, that occur naturally in the bark and fruit of various plants, especially the nutgalls, certain oaks, and sumac. Tannins are polyphenols, and form yellowish to light brown amorphous masses that can be powdery, flaky, or spongy. They bind proteins and are used in dyeing, in tanning leather, in clarifying wine and beer, and as an astringent in medicine. Tannins also give color and flavor to black tea.

Any of various other substances that promote the tanning of leather, such as chromium salts.