tannic
|tan-nic|
/ˈtænɪk/
relating to tannins; astringent
Etymology
'tannic' originates from French, specifically the word 'tannique', ultimately formed from 'tannin' + the adjectival suffix '-ic'. 'Tannin' referred to substances used in tanning (from French 'tan' meaning bark used in tanning).
'tannic' entered English formation by combining the noun 'tannin' (from French 'tannin', 19th century) with the Latin-derived suffix '-ic' to create the adjective 'tannic' describing properties of or relating to tannin.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to tanning/tannins (materials used in leather tanning)', and over time it has been used more generally to mean 'containing tannins' or 'having an astringent/bitter quality', especially in reference to wine and tea.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to tannin or tannins (chemical compounds found in plants, bark, and wood used in tanning and affecting color and preservation).
Tannic acids are used in the leather industry for tanning hides.
Synonyms
Adjective 2
having an astringent, bitter, or drying taste or quality because of tannins (often used to describe wines, teas, or fruits).
The young red wine is quite tannic and will mellow with age.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 17:07