I. -jənt adjective
Etymology: probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere to bind fast, from ad- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain
Date: 1541
1. : causing contraction of soft organic tissues : styptic , puckery
astringent lotions
an astringent fruit
2. : suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : rigidly severe : austere
dry astringent comments
also : pungent , caustic
• as·trin·gent·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1626
: an astringent agent or substance