March 13th '12 word

astringent

\ uh-STRIN-juhnt \ , adjective;

1.

Sharply incisive; pungent.

2.

Medicine/Medical. Contracting; constrictive; styptic.

3.

Harshly biting; caustic: his astringent criticism.

4.

Stern or severe; austere.

noun:

1.

Medicine/Medical. 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.