astringency
|a-strin-gen-cy|
/əˈstrɪndʒənsi/
cause to draw tight; puckering/drying sensation
Etymology
'astringency' originates from Modern English, formed from the adjective 'astringent' + the noun-forming suffix '-cy'.
'astringent' comes from Latin 'adstringentem', the present participle of 'adstringere' (from 'ad-' + 'stringere'), meaning 'to bind tightly' or 'to draw tight'; through Late Latin and borrowings into English it became 'astringent' and then the noun 'astringency'.
Initially associated with the action 'to bind or draw tight', the sense shifted to describe the effect of contracting tissues or producing a puckering/drying taste — the current meaning of 'causing contraction or a puckering sensation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or sensation of being astringent: a drying, puckering or slightly bitter taste or feeling (often in the mouth).
The astringency of the tea lingered on his tongue.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
the property of a substance that causes contraction of bodily tissues or a constricting effect; an astringent effect (used in medical or cosmetic contexts).
The lotion's astringency helped reduce excess oil on her skin.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 15:20