as·trin·gent ( -str n jnt)adj. 1. Medicine Tending to draw together or constrict tissues; styptic. 2. Sharp and penetrating; pungent or severe: astringent remarks. n. 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. [Latin astring  ns, astringent-, present participle of astringere, to bind fast : ad-, ad- + stringere, to bind; see streig- in Indo-European roots.]as·trin gen·cy n.as·trin gent·ly adv. |
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