tannin

noun tan·nin \ˈta-nən\

: a reddish acid that comes from plants, is used in making ink and leather, and occurs in various foods and drinks (such as wine)

Full Definition of TANNIN

: any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used especially in tanning leather and dyeing fabric, manufacturing ink, clarifying wine and beer, and in medicine

: a substance that has a tanning effect

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Origin of TANNIN

French, from tanner to tan

First Known Use: 1802

Rhymes with TANNIN

cannon, canon

TANNIN Defined for Kids

tannin

noun tan·nin \ˈta-nən\

Definition of TANNIN for Kids

: a substance often made from oak bark or sumac and used in tanning animal hides, dyeing fabric and yarn, and making ink

Medical Dictionary

tannin

noun tan·nin \ˈtan-ən\

Medical Definition of TANNIN

: 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

: a substance that has a tanning effect