ASTRINGENT


Meaning of ASTRINGENT in English

— astringency , n. — astringently , adv.

/euh strin"jeuhnt/ , adj.

1. Med. contracting; constrictive; styptic.

2. harshly biting; caustic: his astringent criticism.

3. stern or severe; austere.

4. sharply incisive; pungent: astringent wit.

n.

5. Med. a substance that contracts the tissues or canals of the body, thereby diminishing discharges, as of mucus or blood.

6. a cosmetic that cleans the skin and constricts the pores.

[ 1535-45; astringent- (s. of astringens ) prp. of astringere to ASTRINGE; see -ENT ]

Syn. 2, 3. sharp, harsh, rigorous. See acid .

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .