Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to, containing, or derived from tannin: Describes substances that have the properties or chemical composition of tannin, a naturally occurring polyphenol found in plants.
   • Astringent in nature: Characterized by a dry, puckering mouthfeel, which is a typical property of tannins.

Usage

The adjective tannic is primarily used in chemistry, botany, and enology (the study of wine). It describes the presence, quality, or origin of tannins. - In chemistry, it specifies compounds derived from tannin. - In food and beverage descriptions, especially for wine and tea, it describes a perceptible astringency.

Examples

• General Use:
  • The oak barrels impart a tannic structure to the wine.
  • Tea leaves have a tannic quality that can cause a dry sensation.
• Scientific/Technical Use:
  • The researcher studied the tannic compounds in various tree barks.
  • Tannic acid is used in the process of tanning leather.

Advanced Usage

• "Tannic backbone": A term used in wine tasting to describe the firm, astringent structure provided by tannins, which contributes to a wine's aging potential.
  • This young red wine has a strong tannic backbone that will soften over time.
• Describing intensity: Tannic can be modified by adverbs like , , .
  • The brew was overly tannic and quite bitter.

Variants and Related Words

• Tannin (n): The natural polyphenolic compound itself, found in plants like grapes, tea, and oak.
  • The tannin in this wine comes from the grape skins.
• Tannate (n): A salt or ester of tannic acid.

Synonyms

• Astringent: Causing contraction of body tissues, often used interchangeably in sensory descriptions.
• Puckering: Describing the physical sensation caused by tannins.

Notes on Different Meanings

The word tannic has a very specific, technical meaning centered on tannin. It does not have common idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its application outside of scientific and sensory descriptions (e.g., for wine, tea, leather) is rare.

Adjective

1. derived from tannin