astringents
|a-strin-gent|
/əˈstrɪndʒənts/
(astringent)
sharp, binding
Etymology
'astringent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'astringent-' (present participle of 'astringere'), where 'ad-' (assimilated to 'as-') meant 'to' and 'stringere' meant 'to draw tight'.
'astringent' changed from Late Latin 'astringent-' (from 'astringere') and entered English via French/Latin medical usage, appearing in English by the 17th century.
Initially, it meant 'that which draws tight', but over time it evolved into its current sense of 'causing contraction; having a tightening, drying, or harsh effect'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance (often medicinal or cosmetic) that causes contraction of body tissues, used to reduce bleeding, discharge, or to tighten skin.
These astringents help stop minor bleeding and tighten the skin.
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Noun 2
a substance (such as tannins) that produces a puckering or drying sensation in the mouth — a source of astringency.
The wine's strong tannins act as astringents on the palate.
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Last updated: 2025/11/07 16:02