Astringent

[ə'strɪn(d)ʒ(ə)nt] or [ə'strɪndʒənt]

Definition

(noun.) a drug that causes contraction of body tissues and canals.

(adj.) tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue; 'astringent cosmetic lotions' .

Checked by Debs--From WordNet

Definition

(a.) Drawing together the tissues; binding; contracting; -- opposed to laxative; as, astringent medicines; a butter and astringent taste; astringent fruit.

(a.) Stern; austere; as, an astringent type of virtue.

(n.) A medicine or other substance that produces contraction in the soft organic textures, and checks discharges of blood, mucus, etc.

Inputed by Fidel

Synonyms and Synonymous

a. Binding, contracting, styptic.

Editor: Rebekah

Definition

adj. binding: contracting: strengthening.—n. a medicine that causes costiveness.—v.t. Astringe′ to bind together: to draw tight: hence to render constipated.—n. Astrin′gency.—adv. Astrin′gently.

Editor: Val