Tannin
/ˈtænɪn/noun
Any of a class of astringent plant compounds that bind proteins and are used in tanning leather.
Did you know?Tannin was named in the 18th century from French tan, the oak bark used in tanning, ultimately from a Celtic word for oak — so the word’s roots are literally tied to trees, skins, and preservation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Celtic
PCelt
*tanno-
“oak”
Gaulish
Gaulish
tan
“oak bark used for tanning”
Old French
OF
tan
“ground oak bark used in tanning”
18th Century
French/English
tannin
“the substance extracted from oak bark and other plants used in tanning”
Modern English
English
tannin
“a class of astringent plant compounds that precipitate proteins”