1 astringent | Definition of astringent

astringent

adjective
as·​trin·​gent | \ É™-ˈstrin-jÉ™nt How to pronounce astringent (audio) \

Definition of astringent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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

astringent

noun

Definition of astringent (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

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Other Words from astringent

Adjective

astringently adverb

Examples of astringent in a Sentence

Adjective

an astringent critic of modern movies

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Muriel Spark’s more astringent, nouveau roman–style performances may be another starting place for comparisons—or maybe Ottessa Moshfegh’s delicious cruelties. Christopher Tayler, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 19 Aug. 2019 Loire Valley, France, $21 France’s Loire Valley used to be known for inconsistent, thin and astringent red wines, but in recent years the region’s reds have been reliably ripe and delicious. Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, "At just $14, this savory and rich French red makes a mighty match for steak," 12 July 2019 The fresh leaves are peppery and assertive—sometimes even bitter or astringent. Bon Appétit, "Oregano is For So Much More Than Pizza," 9 July 2019 My theory of Republican electoral success is partly that the party has gotten away with a more astringent fiscal policy in the past, more austerity, more costs are slowing the growth of government. Nr Staff, National Review, "The Editors Podcast: Restarts, Rallies, and Regulations," 22 June 2019 His oil paintings are luxurious orchestrations of feverish reds, velvety blues, dusky purples, astringent oranges, and shimmering greens. The New York Review of Books, "Jed Perl," 9 May 2019 Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary’s famous youthful elixir, this makeup-artist favorite imparts a dewy, supple glow with toning rose extract and rosemary essential oil, as well as a refreshing zing with astringent mint. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "How to Turn Your Desk Into the Ultimate Self-Care Station in 2019," 12 Dec. 2018 The consolation, though, is that all of these books are excellent, as bracing and astringent as a slap. New York Times, "7 New Books We Recommend This Week," 17 May 2018 Sheep-milk ice cream is set in a pool of yellow custard and a pleasantly astringent goat-milk caramel. Mike Sula, Chicago Reader, "Tied House is that rarest of neighborhood restaurants: a destination," 12 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Staying Cool in the Midwest Readers, witch hazel is an astringent derived from a flowering plant. Heloise, Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Shopping for school supplies," 22 Aug. 2019 Baby powder is mostly talc, a mineral that is used to keep skin dry and as an astringent to prevent diaper rash. Jef Feeley, latimes.com, "J&J faces criminal investigation over baby powder’s potential cancer risks," 12 July 2019 And while there’s, justly, an uptick in interest in refreshing skin tonics during the warmer months, when an astringent can sop up excess oil to control shine and prevent breakouts, toning is just as essential when the temperatures dip . . Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "This Overlooked Beauty Product Is the Secret to Healing Dry Skin," 22 Oct. 2018 Face: Strawberry Facial Cleanser Ingredients: 4-6 ripe strawberries, 2 drops of peppermint oil Uses: Strawberry juice has gentle astringent & bleaching properties and is a great light everyday cleanser. Womansday.com Staff, Woman's Day, "WD on TV: Make Your Own Beauty Products," 20 Jan. 2011 Combined with tannin, a natural astringent, the treatment also helps smooth skin after clearing it of all those nasties to give it that poreless, glass-like look everyone is after lately. Devon Abelman, Allure, "The New Cosrx Two in One Poreless Power Liquid Is Like Glass Skin in a Bottle," 9 Apr. 2018 Peppermint Used for centuries as a natural astringent to combat bad breath, soothe indigestion and overcome fatigue, oil from the peppermint plant can also reduce nausea and cramping. Newsweek Special Edition, Newsweek, "The Essence of Healing," 23 Feb. 2018 If your skin still feels oily, instead of washing again (which can make your skin produce even more oil!), try an astringent after cleansing. Kristin Koch, Seventeen, "Your Clear Skin Countdown: 30 Pro Tips for Getting Rid of Acne Fast," 17 Oct. 2017 If your skin still feels oily, instead of washing again (which can make your skin produce even more oil!), try an astringent after cleansing. Kristin Koch, Seventeen, "Your Clear Skin Countdown: 30 Pro Tips for Getting Rid of Acne Fast," 25 July 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'astringent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of astringent

Adjective

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1626, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for astringent

Adjective and Noun

probably from Middle French, from Latin astringent-, astringens, present participle of astringere to bind fast, from ad- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

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More Definitions for astringent

astringent

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of astringent

medical : causing body tissues (such as skin) to tighten
: having a sharp or bitter quality
: very critical in a sharp and often clever way

astringent

noun
as·​trin·​gent | \ É™-ˈstrin-jÉ™nt How to pronounce astringent (audio) \

Kids Definition of astringent

: a substance that is able to shrink or tighten body tissues

Other Words from astringent

astringent adjective an astringent skin lotion

astringent

adjective
as·​trin·​gent | \ É™-ˈstrin-jÉ™nt How to pronounce astringent (audio) \

Medical Definition of astringent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

Other Words from astringent

astringency \ -​jÉ™n-​sÄ“ How to pronounce astringency (audio) \ noun, plural