[as.trin.gent] adj [prob. fr. MF, fr. L astringent-, astringens, prp. of astringere to bind fast, fr. ad- + stringere to bind tight--more at strain] (1541) 1: able to draw together the soft organic tissues: styptic, puckery "~ lotions" "an ~ fruit"
2: suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue: rigidly severe: austere "dry ~ comments"; also: pungent, caustic -- as.trin.gent.ly adv
[2]astringent n (1626): an astringent agent or substance