tan·nin (t n  n)n. 1. Tannic acid. 2. Any of various chemically different substances capable of promoting tanning. [French, from tan, crushed oak bark, from Old French, from Medieval Latin tannum; see tan1.] |
tannin [ˈtænɪn]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) 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 C76H52O46 Also called tannic acid
[from French tanin, from tan1]
| tannin (tnn) 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 are used in photography, dyeing, in tanning leather, in clarifying wine and beer, and as an astringent in medicine. Tannins are also an important ingredient in tea. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | tannin - any of various complex phenolic substances of plant origin; used in tanning and in medicine phenol - any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups catechin - a tannic acid that is extracted from black catechu as a white crystalline substance |
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