Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substance's property of contracting body tissues: The quality of being astringent, meaning it can cause the contraction of skin or bodily tissues, often to reduce bleeding or secretions.
   • A sharp, puckering taste: A dry, bitter, and slightly sour taste sensation that causes the mouth to pucker, commonly associated with certain foods and drinks.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Medical/Taste Property):
  • The astringency of the alum solution helps to stop minor bleeding from cuts.
  • The tea's high astringency made my mouth feel dry and puckered.
• Noun (Figurative Severity):
  • The critic's review was noted for its intellectual astringency and lack of sentimentality.

Advanced Usage

• "To have an astringency": To possess a sharp, contracting quality.
  • The unripe persimmon has a remarkable astringency that disappears when the fruit ripens.
• Used figuratively for style or tone: Describing a manner that is severely critical, sharp, or morally strict.
  • The documentary was praised for its astringency in dealing with the complex ethical issues.

Variants and Related Words

• Astringent (adj/n): Having an astringent quality; a substance with astringent properties.
  • (Adj.) Witch hazel is an astringent lotion. (N.) The dermatologist applied an astringent.
• Astringently (adv): In an astringent manner.
  • She wrote astringently about the political failures.

Synonyms

• Puckerness: The quality of causing a puckering sensation in the mouth.
• Styptic quality: The property of stopping bleeding (specifically for the medical sense).
• Severity: Harshness, strictness (for the figurative sense).
• Acerbity: Sharpness or bitterness, especially of tone or taste.

Antonyms

• Emolliency: The quality of softening or soothing the skin.
• Sweetness: A pleasant, sugary taste (opposite of the taste sensation).
• Mildness: Gentleness, lack of harshness.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "To cut through with astringency": To analyze or critique with sharp, unsparing clarity.
  • Her argument cut through the confusion with its characteristic astringency.

Noun

1. the ability to contract or draw together soft body tissues to check blood flow or restrict secretion of fluids
2. a sharp astringent taste; the taste experience when a substance causes the mouth to pucker