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Feb 12, 2012
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Dictionary


as•trin•gent



Pronunciation: (u-strin'junt), [key]
—adj.
1. Med.contracting; constrictive; styptic.
2. harshly biting; caustic: his astringent criticism.
3. stern or severe; austere.
4. sharply incisive; pungent: astringent wit.

—n.
1. Med.a substance that contracts the tissues or canals of the body, thereby diminishing discharges, as of mucus or blood.
2. a cosmetic that cleans the skin and constricts the pores.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

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