noun
tannin
TAN-in
Tannin (noun) means Tannic acid or any related compound found in plants such as tea and grapes. Example: “The red wine had a sharp, dry taste from the tannins.”
noun
1
Tannic acid or any related compound found in plants such as tea and grapes.
"The red wine had a sharp, dry taste from the tannins."
"Strong black tea left a tannin bitterness on the tongue."
"Oak barrels release tannin into the wine as it ages."
How to use tannin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTannin is a natural bitter compound found in things like tea, wine and oak.
When to use it
It is a standard term in food, drink and chemistry contexts.
Common pairings
high in tannin
tannin levels
bitter tannin
tannin content
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Etymology
Tannin was borrowed from French tannin, which goes back to the Latin tannum, meaning oak bark. That Latin word in turn came from a Gaulish word for oak.
Synonyms
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E181
Frequently asked questions
What is tannin in wine?
It is a natural compound, a form of tannic acid, that comes from grape skins, seeds and oak barrels and gives wine its dry, gripping taste.
What foods contain tannin?
Tannins occur in foods and drinks such as tea, red wine, and some fruits and nuts.
Why does tannin taste bitter or dry?
Tannins bind to proteins in saliva, which is what produces the dry, puckering sensation in the mouth.
What is the meaning of tannin?
"tannin" (noun) means tannic acid or any related compound found in plants such as tea and grapes.
