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.

As*trin"gent, n. A medicine or other substance that produces contraction in the soft organic textures, and checks discharges of blood, mucus, etc.

External astringents are called styptics.
Dunglison.

• a substance which draws tissue together thus restricting the flow of blood
  
• sharp, caustic or severe
  
• (medicine) having the effect of drawing tissue together; styptic