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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Winemaker Jeff Ames leans into making big, bold unfiltered wines with rich fruit, elegant tannins, and plush flavors. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2024 Perhaps this has to with its nature, as wines made from the Sagrantino grape are characterized by their robust tannins. Tom Hyland, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 The process, called cold-leaching, removes the tannins from the acorns. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 2024 Renowned winemaker Randall Grahm is quite fond of this variety, which originated in Piedmont in northern Italy and is considered akin to Nebbiolo in its light color and rather firm tannins. Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tannin 

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 25 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on tannin

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