I. ˈtan verb
( tanned ; tan·ning )
Etymology: Middle English tannen, from Anglo-French tanner, from Medieval Latin tannare, from tanum, tannum tanbark
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to convert (hide) into leather by treatment with an infusion of tannin-rich bark or other agent of similar effect
b. : to convert (protein) to leather or a similar substance
2. : to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun
3. : thrash , whip
intransitive verb
: to get or become tanned
II. adjective
( tan·ner ; tan·nest )
Date: 1586
1. : of, relating to, or used for tan or tanning
2. : of the color tan
III. noun
Etymology: French, tanbark, from Old French, from Medieval Latin tanum
Date: 1674
1. : a tanning material or its active agent (as tannin)
2. : a brown color imparted to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
3. : a light yellowish brown
4. plural : tan-colored articles of clothing
IV. abbreviation
tangent