Gallotannic

/ɡæloʊˈtænɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or containing gallotannin, a compound found in plant galls that is used for tanning and dyeing.

Etymology

From gallotannin plus the adjectival suffix -ic, creating an adjective form describing something that has the properties or contains gallotannins.

Kelly Says

Gallotannic acid is why medieval manuscripts could last 1,000 years—iron gallotannate ink literally bonded to parchment at a molecular level, which is why medieval books are often better preserved than 200-year-old paper documents.

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