Definition of astringent

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as·trin·gent    (-strnjnt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Medicine Tending to draw together or constrict tissues; styptic.
2. Sharp and penetrating; pungent or severe: astringent remarks.

NOUN:

A substance or preparation, such as alum, that draws together or constricts body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin astringns, astringent- present participle of astringere, to bind fast : ad-, ad- + stringere, to bind; see streig- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
as·tringen·cy(Noun), as·tringent·ly(Adverb)