As‐trin″gent (–jent), 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.