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as·trin·gent
ə-ˈstrin-jənt 
1
: causing a tightening of soft organic tissues : styptic
astringently
adverb
: 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
Example Sentences
Adjective
an astringent critic of modern movies
Recent Examples on the Web
Pat Tanumihardja, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023
Chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas eat rough and astringent leaves to purge intestinal parasites.
—Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2022
That astringent effect sometimes worked a little too well, as anyone who grew up in the ‘90s or early aughts might remember from splashing their skin red and flaky back in the day.
—Megan Mcintyre, Allure, 19 Jan. 2023
Revered in traditional medicine, oak bark is a potent source of tannins, which is a bitter compound that has an astringent effect, McKinnon says.
—Sarah Watts, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2021
Grinding a coffee from Ethiopia just a bit coarser and steeping it a little less brought out a sweetness similar to oolong tea from a bean that was a bit astringent at first.
—Mario Cortez, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 Jan. 2023
The astringent ingredient was first introduced in skin-care products way back in the 1800s, but was used medicinally in Native American cultures long before that.
—Megan Mcintyre, Allure, 19 Jan. 2023
This formula doesn't contain astringent ingredients, so may not be as effective for those with oily or acne-prone skin who are looking to minimize oil.
—April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 13 Nov. 2022
Camellia sinensis leaf extract provides antioxidant protection and offers mild astringent effects to tone the skin, while feverfew extract further supports the skin’s moisture retention abilities.
—Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022
Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 13 Feb. 2023
Or instead of an astringent, try using a toner made with gentler ingredients like camphor, green tea, or aloe vera.
—Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2023
Post Shave Balm is witch hazel, a gentle natural astringent that helps to close pores and prevent razor bumps.
—Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022
Mixing the astringent leaves into a milkshake seemed to be the most palatable option.
—Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2021
Witch hazel is a natural astringent, so it is often used to remove excess sebum and temporarily decrease the appearance of pores.
—Taylore Glynn, Allure, 20 Dec. 2022
The 34-year-old has an astringent, understated charisma.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2022
An astringent is a toner formula that's made with ingredients like alcohol that help remove excess oil from the skin.
—April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 13 Nov. 2022
Tannins—compounds in wine derived from grape skins and seeds and oak barrels—have an astringent or drying quality in the mouth.
—Mike Desimone And Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2022
See More
Adjective
Combined, these ingredients layer the six tastes of the Ayurvedic tradition: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent.
—Pat Tanumihardja, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023
Chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas eat rough and astringent leaves to purge intestinal parasites.
—Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2022
That astringent effect sometimes worked a little too well, as anyone who grew up in the ‘90s or early aughts might remember from splashing their skin red and flaky back in the day.
—Megan Mcintyre, Allure, 19 Jan. 2023
Revered in traditional medicine, oak bark is a potent source of tannins, which is a bitter compound that has an astringent effect, McKinnon says.
—Sarah Watts, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2021
Grinding a coffee from Ethiopia just a bit coarser and steeping it a little less brought out a sweetness similar to oolong tea from a bean that was a bit astringent at first.
—Mario Cortez, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 Jan. 2023
The astringent ingredient was first introduced in skin-care products way back in the 1800s, but was used medicinally in Native American cultures long before that.
—Megan Mcintyre, Allure, 19 Jan. 2023
This formula doesn't contain astringent ingredients, so may not be as effective for those with oily or acne-prone skin who are looking to minimize oil.
—April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 13 Nov. 2022
Camellia sinensis leaf extract provides antioxidant protection and offers mild astringent effects to tone the skin, while feverfew extract further supports the skin’s moisture retention abilities.
—Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022
Noun
The alcohol-free formula also utilizes witch hazel as an astringent to help minimize the appearance of pores.
—Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 13 Feb. 2023
Or instead of an astringent, try using a toner made with gentler ingredients like camphor, green tea, or aloe vera.
—Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2023
Post Shave Balm is witch hazel, a gentle natural astringent that helps to close pores and prevent razor bumps.
—Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022
Mixing the astringent leaves into a milkshake seemed to be the most palatable option.
—Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2021
Witch hazel is a natural astringent, so it is often used to remove excess sebum and temporarily decrease the appearance of pores.
—Taylore Glynn, Allure, 20 Dec. 2022
The 34-year-old has an astringent, understated charisma.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2022
An astringent is a toner formula that's made with ingredients like alcohol that help remove excess oil from the skin.
—April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 13 Nov. 2022
Tannins—compounds in wine derived from grape skins and seeds and oak barrels—have an astringent or drying quality in the mouth.
—Mike Desimone And Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'astringent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere to bind fast, from ad- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain
Articles Related to astringent
Dictionary Entries Near astringent
Cite this Entry
“Astringent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astringent. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.
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
astringent
2 of 2 noun
: an astringent agent or substance
More from Merriam-Webster on astringent
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for astringent
Nglish: Translation of astringent for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about astringent
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