astringent

1 of 2

adjective

as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt 

1

: causing a tightening of soft organic tissues : styptic

2

: suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : rigidly severe : austere

dry astringent comments

also : pungent, caustic

astringently adverb

astringent

2 of 2

noun

: an astringent agent or substance: such as

a

: a medicine for checking the discharge of mucus or serum by causing shrinkage of tissue

b

: a liquid cosmetic for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores

Examples of astringent in a Sentence

Adjective

an astringent critic of modern movies

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There’s always an element of chemistry to consider; tannins, which are compounds in wine present in grape seeds, grape skins, and oak barrels, offer a drying or astringent quality on the tongue and gums. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025

With orange-red skin and golden flesh, the result is less earthy and astringent and can be eaten raw. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025

Noun

That’s the witch hazel at work—a natural, alcohol-free astringent that helps tone down redness, calm blotchiness, and leave your skin looking more even and refreshed. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025

Avoid using abrasive and perfumed cleansers, astringents, and skin pads. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Noun

derivative of astringent entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for astringent

• contingent
• birefringent
• stringent

Kids Definition

astringent

1 of 2 adjective

as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt 

: able or tending to shrink body tissues

astringent lotions

astringently adverb

astringent

2 of 2 noun

: an astringent substance

Medical Definition

astringent

1 of 2 adjective

as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt 

: having the property of causing contraction of soft organic tissues

astringent cosmetic lotions

: as

a

: tending to shrink mucous membranes or raw or exposed tissues : checking discharge (as of serum or mucus) : styptic

b

: tending to pucker the tissues of the mouth

astringent fruits

astringency

-jən-sē 

noun

plural astringencies

astringent

2 of 2 noun

: an astringent agent or substance