Did you know that 'astringent' is actually Latin?

'Astringent' is a word borrowed from Latin 'astringere'. The word entered the English language some time around 1541.

astringent [adjective] [1541]

• causing contraction of soft organic tissues
• styptic
• suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue
• rigidly severe
• austere
• pungent

Etymology: Probably from Middle French, from Latin 'astringent-, astringens' present participle of 'astringere' to bind fast, from 'ad-' + 'stringere' to bind tight.

Topics: Science:Chemistry, Medicine:Remedies.

Origin: From Latin to English.

See 'astringent' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Latin.

See more loan words from 1500s.