I. -jənt adjective
Etymology: probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere
1. : having the property of drawing together the soft organic tissues : contracting , constricting
astringent cosmetic lotions
the air was so astringent with pine scent that it tightened the nostrils — Grace Campbell
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 and wines
green persimmons are strongly astringent
he remembered the musty astringent taste of his own cup of tea — Elinor Wylie
2. : suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : free of slackness or expansiveness : severe , austere
his own writing has an astringent quality which often matches the sharp, clear outlines of the Greek landscape — Spectator
: sharp , tonic
there was something astringent and bracing about that man's mind — William McFee
: stern , strict
made enemies by his astringent honesty — Time
• as·trin·gent·ly adverb
II. noun
( -s )
: an astringent agent or substance: 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