Gallotannate

/ɡæloʊˈtænɪt/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound formed when gallic acid reacts with another substance, commonly used in tanning leather.

Etymology

From gallotannin (a type of tannin) plus the chemistry suffix -ate (indicating a chemical salt or compound), referring to the product of a chemical reaction.

Kelly Says

Medieval leatherworkers discovered that oak tree galls contained powerful tannins, and gallotannates became essential for turning animal skin into the flexible, waterproof leather used for everything from armor to shoes.

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