As*trin"gent (#), a. [L. astringens, p. pr. of astringere: cf. F. astringent. See Astringe.]

1.

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

2.

Stern; austere; as, an astringent type of virtue.

 

© Webster 1913.


As*trin"gent, n.

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

External astringents are called styptics. Dunglison.

 

© Webster 1913.

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