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Definition of: astringent
(ə·strin′jənt) adjective
1. Med. Tending to contract or draw together organic tissues; binding; styptic.
2. Harsh; stern; austere.
—noun An astringent substance, as alum, tannin, etc. [<L astringens, -entis, ppr. of astringere. See ASTRINGE.]
—as·trin′gen·cy noun
—as·trin′gent·ly adverb
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