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

Toners have earned a bad rap over the years for being astringent formulas that sting, strip, and dry out your skin. — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 23 May 2026

The dish is both sweet and astringent, and the judges think the dish needed a sauce to bring everything together. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 May 2026

Noun

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

Harsh scrubs, drying astringents, and quick-fix spot treatments not only fail to address the root cause, but often exacerbate it. — Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026

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