Main Entry: ¹as·trin·gent

Pronunciation: \-jənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere to bind fast, from ad- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

Date: 1541

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