— 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 .