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astringent

5 ENTRIES FOUND:

1as·trin·gent

adj \-jənt\

Definition of ASTRINGENT

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

Examples of ASTRINGENT

  1. an astringent critic of modern movies

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
First Known Use: 1541

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