Definition of tan

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< tam-tam

tan >

tan ¹    (tn) KEY  

VERB:
tanned , tan·ning , tans
VERB:
tr.

1. To convert (hide) into leather, as by treating with tannin.
2. To make brown by exposure to the sun.
3. Informal To thrash; beat.

VERB:
intr.

To become brown or tawny from exposure to sun.

NOUN:

1. A light or moderate yellowish brown to brownish orange.
2. The brown color that sun rays impart to the skin.
3. Tanbark.
4. 1. Tannin.
   2. A solution derived from tannin.

ADJECTIVE:
tan·ner , tan·nest

1. Light or moderate yellowish-brown to brownish-orange.
2. Having a suntan.
3. Used in or relating to tanning.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English tannen, from Old English *tannian, from Medieval Latin tannre, from tannum, tanbark, probably of Celtic origin

OTHER FORMS:
tannish (Adjective)

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