astringent Hear it!

astringent definition

as·trin·gent (ə strin′jənt)

adjective

  1. that contracts body tissue and checks secretions, capillary bleeding, etc.; styptic
  2. having a harsh, biting quality an astringent style of writing

Etymology: L astringens, prp. of stringere, to contract < ad-, to + stringere, draw tight: see strict

noun

an astringent substance, drug, etc.

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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