astringency

UK: /əˈstrɪndʒ^ənsi/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

as•trin•gent /əˈstrɪndʒənt/   adj. 

1. Medicine causing the skin to contract or tighten;
   styptic:
   astringent lotion.
2. harshly biting;
   severe:
   astringent criticism.

n. [countable]

3. Medicine an astringent substance:
   Apply an astringent to the cut.

as•trin•gen•cy, n. [uncountable]
as•trin•gent•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

as•trin•gent  (ə strin′jənt), adj. 

1. Medicine contracting;
   constrictive;
   styptic.
2. harshly biting;
   caustic:
   his astringent criticism.
3. stern or severe;
   austere.
4. sharply incisive;
   pungent:
   astringent wit.

n. 

5. Medicine a substance that contracts the tissues or canals of the body, thereby diminishing discharges, as of mucus or blood.
6. a cosmetic that cleans the skin and constricts the pores.

• Latin astringent- (stem of astringēns) present participle of astringere to astringe; see -ent
• 1535–45

as•trin′gen•cy, n. 
as•trin′gent•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 2, 3. sharp, harsh, rigorous. See acid.