I. ˈstiptik, -tēk adjective
Etymology: Middle English stiptik, from Latin stypticus, from Greek styptikos, from (assumed) Greek styptos (verbal of Greek styphein to contract, be astringent) + Greek -ikos -ic — more at stupe
1.
a. : having an astringent effect : tending to contract or bind
b. : having a harsh, acrid, or acid effect or flavor
the laughter they excite is more styptic than warm — R.A.Cordell
2. : tending to check bleeding
the styptic effect of cold
especially : having the property of arresting oozing of blood (as from a shallow surface injury) when applied to a bleeding part
a styptic agent
— compare hemostatic
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English stiptik, from Late Latin stypticum, from Greek styptikon, from neuter of styptikos, adjective
: an agent (as a drug) having a styptic effect