TANNIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Tannic acid is a type of organic compound belonging to the family of polyphenols. It is also known as tannin or gallotannic acid. This acid is commonly found in various plant-based sources, such as certain fruits, nuts, leaves, and barks. It is known for its distinctive astringent taste and its ability to form precipitates with proteins, creating a characteristic sensation in the mouth.
In terms of chemical structure, tannic acid is a large molecule composed of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups. It is soluble in water and other organic solvents, making it fairly versatile in its applications. In addition to its astringent taste, tannic acid also exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it useful in medicinal and cosmetic formulations.
Tannic acid finds extensive use in industries such as brewing, wine production, and tanning. In brewing, it is employed to clarify beer and enhance its flavor and stability. In winemaking, tannic acid helps contribute to the desired color, mouthfeel, and aging potential of red wines. Additionally, tannic acid is widely applied in the field of leather making, where it serves as a crucial agent for the preservation and tanning process, preventing the decay of animal hides.
Furthermore, tannic acid has been employed in traditional medicine for its potential healing properties. It has been used orally as an astringent to soothe gastrointestinal disorders and topically to aid in wound healing due to its antimicrobial and wound-constriction effects. However, it is important to note that tannic acid should be used with caution due to its potential adverse reactions and toxicity at high doses.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TANNIC ACID
- rannic acid
- fannic acid
- gannic acid
- yannic acid
- 6annic acid
- 5annic acid
- tznnic acid
- tsnnic acid
- twnnic acid
- tqnnic acid
- tabnic acid
- tamnic acid
- tajnic acid
- tahnic acid
- tanbic acid
- tanmic acid
Etymology of TANNIC ACID
The word "tannic acid" comes from the word "tannin", which originated from the medieval Latin word "tannum". "Tannum" referred to oak bark or other tree bark used in the process of converting animal hides into leather. Over time, the term "tannin" expanded to include the class of astringent, bitter-tasting, polyphenolic compounds found in many plants, which also includes tannic acid. Thus, "tannic acid" is derived from the word "tannin", reflecting its association with tannins found in various plant sources.
Similar spelling word for TANNIC ACID
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