Tanning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tanning
[ˈtænɪŋ ]
Definitions
skin darkening
Tanning is the process of darkening the skin through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It can lead to a bronzed appearance and is often sought after for aesthetic reasons. However, excessive tanning can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She loves tanning at the beach during summer.
- He got a perfect tan from his recent vacation.
- They applied sunscreen before tanning to protect their skin.
skin darkening
To tan means to cause the skin to become darker as a result of sun exposure or using tanning products. This can also refer to the act of undergoing the process of tanning, either naturally or artificially.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She wants to tan before her wedding.
- Make sure to tan gradually to avoid sunburn.
- He prefers to tan outdoors rather than in a salon.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun stimulate melanin production, causing skin to darken as a protective response.
- Despite the desire for bronzed skin, excessive tanning increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging.
- Experts recommend moderation and sunscreen use to protect against harmful UV radiation while tanning.
Pop Culture
- The concept of tanning became popular in the early 20th century when figures like Coco Chanel popularized sun-kissed skin as a fashion statement.
- Reality TV and social media often showcase 'tanning' as an essential part of beauty routines, affecting public perception significantly.
- Various tanning products, including lotions and sprays, emerged to help people achieve a desired tan without sun exposure.
Technology
- Modern tanning beds use fluorescent lamps to simulate the sun's rays, providing a quick alternative to natural tanning.
- Tanning technologies now incorporate monitoring systems to reduce overexposure and improve user safety.
- Some new tanning products use bronzers and tinted formulas to offer an instant tan without UV exposure.
Social Aspects
- Tanning has cultural significance in many societies, often linked to ideals of beauty and social status.
- In some cultures, lighter skin tones are preferred, while in others, tanned skin is associated with health and attractiveness.
- Social media trends often fluctuate between advocating for natural skin and promoting tanning, influencing younger generations.
Origin of 'tanning'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tanning' originated from the Old English term 'tannian', which meant to prepare animal hides.
- The root of the term is similar to Latin 'tannare', which also relates to the process of changing materials through exposure.
- Historically, 'tanning' referred to the process of making leather, but now it commonly describes skin color change.
The word 'tanning' comes from the Old French 'tanner', which means 'to tan or prepare leather'. This, in turn, is derived from the Latin word 'tannare', meaning 'to get the skin from a hide'. The etymology of tanning in relation to skin refers to the process of treating animal hides to produce leather, which originally involved tanning agents derived from plant sources. Over time, the term evolved to describe the process of skin darkening in humans through exposure to sunlight or artificial light. The practice of tanning for aesthetic purposes became popular in the 20th century, particularly after the introduction of the modern beach culture and the idea of having a sun-kissed glow. With the rise of the tanning bed industry in the late 20th century, the understanding of tanning continued to evolve, raising awareness about skin health and the dangers of excessive UV exposure.