astringent
astringent — adjective
- astringentpositive
- more astringentcomparative
- most astringentsuperlative
1. An astringent liquid or substance makes skin and other body tissue pull tight an
An astringent liquid or substance makes skin and other body tissue pull tight and feel firmer.
Min splashed an astringent toner on her face to close up her open pores.
describes skincare products that tighten skin
The nurse pressed an astringent pad on the cut to stop the bleeding.
medical use: tightens tissue to check bleeding
Witch hazel has a mild astringent effect that soothes red, sore skin.
Doctors painted an astringent solution over the wound before bandaging Faisal's leg.
- styptic
more technical; mainly stops bleeding by tightening tissue
- contractive
rare and formal; same tightening idea but seldom used of skin products
- soothing
calms rather than tightens
用法筆記
Common in skincare and medical contexts; usually modifies products such as toners, lotions, or pads rather than people.
2. Astringent words or comments are sharp and witty but harsh, and tend to find fau
Astringent words or comments are sharp and witty but harsh, and tend to find fault with someone.
The critic wrote an astringent review that mocked every weak line in the play.
describes harsh, witty criticism
Dahlia answered the rude question with an astringent remark that silenced the room.
collocation: astringent remark / comment
His astringent humour amused some guests but offended the host at dinner.
The judge gave an astringent reply, blunt and clever, that left the lawyer speechless.
- gentle
kind and mild in tone
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense applies only to words, tone, or wit, never to substances. The cleverness is what separates it from plainly rude or cruel.
3. An astringent taste or smell is dry and slightly sour or bitter, making the mout
An astringent taste or smell is dry and slightly sour or bitter, making the mouth feel tight.
The green tea had an astringent taste that dried out Hoa's mouth.
describes a dry, mouth-puckering flavour
Young red wine often tastes astringent because of the bitter skins of the grapes.
collocation: tastes astringent
Yasmin bit the unripe persimmon and made a face at its astringent flavour.
The cleaning spray left an astringent smell that stung the inside of my nose.
用法筆記
Object is usually a drink, fruit, or smell. Differs from sense 2 (about speech) and sense 1 (about physical tightening of skin).
astringent — noun
- astringentsingular
- astringentsplural
1. An astringent is a cream, lotion, or medicine that pulls skin and body tissue ti
An astringent is a cream, lotion, or medicine that pulls skin and body tissue tight.
Isabela dabbed an astringent on the spot to shrink it before her wedding.
noun: a skincare product that tightens skin
The pharmacist recommended an astringent to clean the cut and tighten the skin around it.
collocation: recommend / apply an astringent
Many aftershaves work as a gentle astringent that closes the pores after shaving.
Bilal kept an astringent in the bathroom cabinet to dry up oily patches.
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person applying a product; the noun names the substance itself, while the adjective sense 1 describes its effect.