astringent

Etymology

From Latin adstringere (“to bind fast”), from ad (“toward”) + stringere (“bind, pull tight”). Compare stringent.

noun

  1. A substance which draws tissue together, thus restricting the flow of blood.

adj

  1. Extremely sour, bitter.
  2. Sharp, caustic, severe.
    Philip, who was made Duke of Edinburgh on the couple’s wedding, introduced a new, less stuffy, though as the years went on occasionally astringent, tone to the royal family. September 8 2022, Stephen Bates, “Queen Elizabeth II obituary”, in The Guardian
  3. Causing a dry or puckering mouthfeel; characteristic of foods with high tannin content, such as certain kinds of berries and citrus fruits.
  4. (medicine) Having the effect of drawing tissue together; styptic.

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