tannin

[ tan-in ]

noun

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

tannin

/ ˈtænɪn /

noun

1. 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 46 Also calledtannic acid

tannin

/ tăn′ĭn /

1. 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.
2. Any of various other substances that promote the tanning of leather, such as chromium salts.

Other Words From

• non·tannin noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tannin¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; earlier tanin, from French; tan ¹, -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of tannin¹

C19: from French tanin, from tan ¹

Example Sentences

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.

From Outside Online

Older barrels add less wood tannin, leaving the wine softer and easier to drink at a young age.

From Washington Post

Its wine is juicy and rustic, with a bit of tannin for heft and vibrant acidity for refreshment.

From Washington Post

Acidity and tannins will soften up, and sugar will integrate in the end bring more drinkability to the wine.

From 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.

From Fortune

Spanish oak, which has an open grain and high levels of tannin, gives you dried fruit, spice, and even chocolate flavors.

From The Daily Beast

Sorry, tannin fans: “In contrast to results for coffee, no effect was observed for drinking tea,” the authors avow.

From The Daily Beast

And yet, late last week, Cioffi and Tannin were found not guilty of all charges.

From The Daily Beast

To be sure, the case against Cioffi and Tannin, such as it is, has some noteworthy elements.

From The Daily Beast

The two Bear Stearns hedge funds, run by Ralph Cioffi and Matthew Tannin, traded with Goldman.

From The Daily Beast

Tannin is also important and is employed to some extent in the Philippines, being generally obtained from the mangrove tan barks.

From Project Gutenberg

Red or green straws are turned dark gray by burying them in mud to which certain substances (usually containing tannin) are added.

From Project Gutenberg

A small portion of hyposulphite of soda mixed with vinegar will make a good cleaner for teacups having tannin stains.

From Project Gutenberg

In the past few years many companies have been formed for cutting wood in the Gran Chaco and also for extracting tannin.

From Project Gutenberg

Tan, or tannin, as it is more correctly called, is a substance of a friable texture and a highly pronounced but hygienic odour.

From Project Gutenberg