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 Since then, Heelan has had to adapt to the conditions of each subsequent season, focusing on tannin management with the 2022 vintage and emphasizing deeper colors and softer, velvety textures with the 2023 harvest. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 19 May 2024 It is also proven that drinking coffee slowly will make your teeth easier to stain, exposing them to tannins and acid over and over again. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2024 Similar to red wine, the tannins found in pomegranate juice may stain your teeth over time. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 13 May 2024 Their wines show bitter tannins and lack of concentration. Elin McCoy, Fortune Europe, 11 May 2024 That means that sweet tea brine will not necessarily add the flavor of tea so much as add sugar, liquid, acids, and tannins that can help tenderize the ham and enhance its inherent good flavor. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2024 Fats have an affinity for tannins Red wines typically have more amines, sulfites, flavonoids, and tannins, particularly a phenolic compound with antioxidant properties called resveratrol, also found in grape skins and leaves. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023 Work is also being done to understand why the microbial populations in the soil are different, and why the acidity and tannins in the wine vary. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024 Excellent varietal purity and velvety, medium-full tannins. Tom Hyland, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

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 28 May. 2024.

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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