astringent

[ uh-strin-juhnt ]
/ əˈstrɪn dʒənt /

adjective

Medicine/Medical. contracting; constrictive; styptic.
harshly biting; caustic: his astringent criticism.
stern or severe; austere.
sharply incisive; pungent: astringent wit.

noun

Medicine/Medical. a substance that contracts the tissues or canals of the body, thereby diminishing discharges, as of mucus or blood.
a cosmetic that cleans the skin and constricts the pores.

Origin of astringent

1535–45; < Latin astringent- (stem of astringēns) present participle of astringere to astringe; see -ent

synonym study for astringent

2, 4. See acid.

OTHER WORDS FROM astringent

Example sentences from the Web for astringent

British Dictionary definitions for astringent

astringent
/ (əˈstrɪndʒənt) /

adjective

severe; harsh
sharp or invigorating
causing contraction of body tissues, checking blood flow, or restricting secretions of fluids; styptic

noun

an astringent drug or lotion

Derived forms of astringent

astringency or astringence, noun astringently, adverb

Word Origin for astringent

C16: from Latin astringēns drawing together; see astrict

Medical definitions for astringent

astringent
[ ə-strĭnjənt ]

adj.

Causing contraction of tissues, arrest of secretion, or control of bleeding.

n.

A substance or preparation, such as alum, that draws together or constricts body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions.

Other words from astringent

as•tringen•cy n.

Scientific definitions for astringent

astringent
[ ə-strĭnjənt ]

A substance or preparation, such as alum, that draws together or constricts body tissues, resulting in decreased flow of blood or other secretions.