astringent

[ uh-strin-juhnt ]

adjective

1. Medicine/Medical. contracting; constrictive; styptic.
2. harshly biting; caustic:

   his astringent criticism.

   Synonyms: rigorous, harsh, sharp

3. stern or severe; austere.

   Synonyms: rigorous, harsh, sharp

4. sharply incisive; pungent:

   astringent wit.

noun

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

astringent

/ əˈstrɪndʒənt /

adjective

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

noun

1. an astringent drug or lotion

astringent

/ ə-strĭn′jənt /

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

Derived Forms

• asˈtringently, adverb
• asˈtringency, noun

Other Words From

• as·tringen·cy noun
• as·tringent·ly adverb
• nonas·tringen·cy noun
• nonas·tringent adjective
• nonas·tringent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of astringent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of astringent¹

C16: from Latin astringēns drawing together; see astrict

Synonym Study

See acid.

Example Sentences

Three wines come chilled in filled-to-meniscus 8-ounce pours: Radley & Finch chenin blanc, mildly lemony-tart to cut the chicken fat, salve any spiciness and ready the maw for the next bite; Two Shepherds sparkling orange for a more puckery, citrus-rind pairing; and a sparkling red, also from Two Shepherds, for fans of a little astringent bitterness.

From Seattle Times

The latter are bitter and astringent compounds that come from grape skins, seeds and stems.

From BBC

Frank‘s and Charley‘s very different definitions of what constitutes a friend offers an astringent alternative to our culture’s sometimes treacly, overly simplistic portrayal of the bond.

From Los Angeles Times

Lyniv seized opportunities to foreground astringent harmonies.

From New York Times

Winogrand, who died in 1984, at 56, had an astringent take on the world that didn’t benefit from the infusion of color.

From New York Times