First Known Use: 1541
Dictionary
1astringent
adjective as·trin·gent \-jənt\
medical : causing body tissues (such as skin) to tighten
: having a sharp or bitter quality
: very critical in a sharp and often clever way
Full Definition of ASTRINGENT
1
2
: suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : rigidly severe : austere <dry astringent comments>; also : pungent, caustic
— as·trin·gent·ly adverb
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Origin of ASTRINGENT
probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere to bind fast, from ad- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain
2astringent
noun
Definition of ASTRINGENT
: an astringent agent or substance
First Known Use of ASTRINGENT
1626
Other Medicine Terms
Rhymes with ASTRINGENT
ASTRINGENT Defined for Kids
astringent
noun as·trin·gent \ə-ˈstrin-jənt\
Definition of ASTRINGENT for Kids
: a substance that is able to shrink or tighten body tissues
— astringent adjective <an astringent skin lotion>
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