Astringent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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astringent
[ษหstrษชn.dสษnt ]
Definitions
taste
Having a sharp, bitter or sour taste that is cleansing and puckering in the mouth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| astringent |
When describing something that has a sharp, slightly bitter taste, often used to describe certain fruits like unripe persimmons. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a tone or manner that is stern or severe.
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| sharp |
When describing a taste or smell that is intense and quick to be noticed. It can also describe a keenly perceptive mind or a tone of voice that is harsh.
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| bitter |
When referring to a taste that is unpleasant and harsh. It can also describe emotions such as resentment or disappointment.
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| sour |
When referring to a taste that is acidic and tangy, often associated with lemons and vinegar. It can also describe a displeased or unfriendly mood.
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Examples of usage
- The astringent taste of unripe persimmons made my mouth pucker.
- She described the wine as having a pleasant astringent quality.
medicine
A substance that causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding or secretions.
Synonyms
constricting, contracting, styptic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| astringent |
Best used in a medical or cosmetic context to describe substances that cause tissue to tighten or shrink, often used in skincare products.
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| constricting |
Used to describe something that tightens or narrows and is often used in medical or physical contexts, such as muscles or blood vessels.
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| contracting |
Commonly used to describe the act of something becoming smaller, shorter, or tighter, applicable in various fields like business, biology, and physics.
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| styptic |
Specifically used in medical contexts to describe agents that stop bleeding by causing blood vessels to contract.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor applied an astringent to the wound to stop the bleeding.
- This astringent is effective in treating skin conditions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Uses
- Certain fruits like unripe bananas and pomegranates have natural astringent qualities, making them less sweet and more tart.
- In cooking, astringent spices such as turmeric are used not only for flavor but for their ability to preserve freshness.
- Some wines, especially reds, can be described as astringent due to their tannin content, giving a dry bite on the palate.
Health and Medicine
- In herbal medicine, astringent herbs like witch hazel are used to treat minor skin irritations and tighten tissues.
- Astringent properties are beneficial in oral care products to reduce gum inflammation.
- Certain astringents can slow down bleeding by constricting blood vessels, which is useful in first aid.
Psychology
- The sensation of astringency can influence taste perception, often making foods seem more complex or intense.
- Psychologically, the experience of strong astringent flavors can evoke memories or emotions linked to childhood tastes.
- Research suggests that strong tastes, including astringent ones, may trigger greater engagement and focus during eating.
Literature
- In literature, astringent is often used metaphorically to describe sharp, cutting dialogues that leave readers pondering.
- Authors may use astringent-style prose to evoke a strong reaction from readers, mirroring the physical sensation.
- Classic novels frequently feature astringent characters who are straightforward and unyielding, representing harsh realities.
Origin of 'astringent'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'astringere', meaning 'to bind fast', which reflects its tightening effect.
- First recorded use in English dates back to the 14th century, linked to medicinal descriptions.
- In medieval times, astringent properties were sought after for preserving food and preventing spoilage.
The word 'astringent' comes from the Latin word 'astringentem', meaning 'binding fast'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe substances that cause contraction of body tissues. Astringents have been historically used in medicine and skincare for their tightening and drying effects.