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

Dazzle Dry Mini Kit 4 Step Manicure System The four steps in the Dazzle Dry system have an accompanying product; step one is prep using an astringent alcohol to remove debris and oil, step two is a base coat, step three is nail polish color, and step four is top coat. —Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026

Gone are the days when instant was synonymous with weak coffee, bitter and astringent, and mainly made with Robusta beans instead of the preferred arabica. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025

Noun

When Lucas screened an early cut of Star Wars for a group of filmmakers, Spielberg was supportive, but Brian De Palma gave astringent and ultimately priceless counsel. —Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026

That’s not the case with this alcohol-free hydrating toner by Thayers, which instead uses witch hazel (a natural astringent) to regulate oil levels, as well as rosewater and aloe vera to restore hydration. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 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