astringent

1 of 2

adjective

as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt How to pronounce astringent (audio)
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
Some people prefer a more astringent matcha while others like deep, umami flavor. Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 26 Feb. 2024 The tannins are slightly grippy and pleasantly astringent with flavors of cassis, blackberry, licorice, and cedar shavings. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2023 To play the long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, Bening mixes in an astringent clump of salt. Wesley Morris, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024 The instructions say to boil water, which will give you a pretty astringent, strong cuppa (thanks Max). Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2024 As a narrator, Baron is at once circumspect—his memoir reveals nearly nothing of his life outside the newsroom—and brimming with astringent disclosure. Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2023 Manzano bananas are astringent, chalky, and have a tannic aftertaste when unripe. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Nov. 2023 Still, Going Infinite is not actually the work of drooling credulity that Lewis’ most astringent critics see it as. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 5 Oct. 2023 These are eaters who wax rhapsodic when reminiscing about the unctuous pleasure and salty pop of caviar washed down by an icy, astringent vodka. Laura Reiley, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2023
Noun
The alcohol-free formula also utilizes witch hazel as an astringent to help minimize the appearance of pores. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 13 Feb. 2023 Or instead of an astringent, try using a toner made with gentler ingredients like camphor, green tea, or aloe vera. Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2023 Post Shave Balm is witch hazel, a gentle natural astringent that helps to close pores and prevent razor bumps. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Mixing the astringent leaves into a milkshake seemed to be the most palatable option. Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2021 Witch hazel is a natural astringent, so it is often used to remove excess sebum and temporarily decrease the appearance of pores. Taylore Glynn, Allure, 20 Dec. 2022 The 34-year-old has an astringent, understated charisma. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2022 An astringent is a toner formula that's made with ingredients like alcohol that help remove excess oil from the skin. April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 13 Nov. 2022 Tannins—compounds in wine derived from grape skins and seeds and oak barrels—have an astringent or drying quality in the mouth. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'astringent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of astringent was circa 1541

Dictionary Entries Near astringent

Cite this Entry

“Astringent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astringent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

astringent

1 of 2 adjective
as·​trin·​gent ə-ˈstrin-jənt How to pronounce astringent (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce astringent (audio)
: 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 noun
plural astringencies

astringent

2 of 2 noun
: an astringent agent or substance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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