astringent

1 of 2

adjective

as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt 

1

: causing a tightening of soft organic tissues : styptic

2

: suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : rigidly severe : austere

dry astringent comments

also : pungent, caustic

astringently adverb

astringent

2 of 2

noun

: an astringent agent or substance: such as

a

: a medicine for checking the discharge of mucus or serum by causing shrinkage of tissue

b

: a liquid cosmetic for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores

Examples of astringent in a Sentence

Adjective

an astringent critic of modern movies

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With its fast-twitch wit, astringent dialogue, and lyrical dialogue, Hall’s absorbing play is reminiscent of works by August Wilson, Tennessee Williams, Tracy Letts, and Jez Butterworth, whose The Hills of California similarly focuses on a group of siblings reunited by a mother’s illness. —Rhoda Feng, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024

If a whisky spends too much time aging, astringent wood notes will eventually overpower the flavor profile. —Chris Perugini, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

Use mild products: Avoid skin products that can irritate, such as toners, astringents, and exfoliants. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Streets suggests this is because some formulas can contain harsh astringents. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere to bind fast, from ad- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

Noun

derivative of astringent entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1626, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

astringent

1 of 2 adjective

as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt 

: able or tending to shrink body tissues

astringent lotions

astringently adverb

astringent

2 of 2 noun

: an astringent substance

Medical Definition

astringent

1 of 2 adjective

as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt 

: having the property of causing contraction of soft organic tissues

astringent cosmetic lotions

: as

a

: tending to shrink mucous membranes or raw or exposed tissues : checking discharge (as of serum or mucus) : styptic

b

: tending to pucker the tissues of the mouth

astringent fruits

astringency

-jən-sē 

noun

plural astringencies

astringent

2 of 2 noun

: an astringent agent or substance