tannin
noun
tan·nin ˈta-nən 
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web There is a bit of citrus, along with tobacco, new leather boot smell, spicy tannin and a bit of anise. 
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 July 2022 Blackberry and raspberry fruit notes, soft tannin and nice balance of acidity and body. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 20 June 2022 The Stain Scrubber contains enzymes that lift protein, tannin and oil stains and is safe to use on most fabrics. Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 27 July 2022 At the same time, the clusters and berries were small, for deep concentration and good tannin structure. Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2022 Wines may be barreled for several months to many years; Cabernet Sauvignon, for instance, is typically aged for at least 18 months — often longer — as bigger, high-tannin wines need more time to soak up the barrel’s impact. Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 June 2022 These are high-acid, low-tannin, low-alcohol reds with bright (but not overripe) fruit. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 20 June 2022 With bracingly high acidity, the wine might have been hard to sip on release, but that acid-tannin balance is a beautiful thing now, still vibrant, with a savory, earthy edge and complexities emerging—a kick of citrus, a hint of ginger. Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 6 June 2022 But there’s a through-line of balance, of fruit and acid and tannin in mutual support of one another, no matter the year. Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 6 June 2022 See More
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 July 2022 Blackberry and raspberry fruit notes, soft tannin and nice balance of acidity and body. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 20 June 2022 The Stain Scrubber contains enzymes that lift protein, tannin and oil stains and is safe to use on most fabrics. Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 27 July 2022 At the same time, the clusters and berries were small, for deep concentration and good tannin structure. Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2022 Wines may be barreled for several months to many years; Cabernet Sauvignon, for instance, is typically aged for at least 18 months — often longer — as bigger, high-tannin wines need more time to soak up the barrel’s impact. Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 June 2022 These are high-acid, low-tannin, low-alcohol reds with bright (but not overripe) fruit. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 20 June 2022 With bracingly high acidity, the wine might have been hard to sip on release, but that acid-tannin balance is a beautiful thing now, still vibrant, with a savory, earthy edge and complexities emerging—a kick of citrus, a hint of ginger. Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 6 June 2022 But there’s a through-line of balance, of fruit and acid and tannin in mutual support of one another, no matter the year. Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 6 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
French, from tanner to tan
First Known Use
1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
tannin
noun
tan·nin ˈta-nən
: a substance often made from oak bark or sumac and used in tanning animal hides, dyeing fabric and yarn, and making ink
Medical Definition
tannin
noun
tan·nin ˈtan-ən
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