Medicine/Medical . contracting; constrictive; styptic.

harshly biting; caustic

his astringent criticism.

stern or severe; austere.

sharply incisive; pungent

astringent wit.

Medicine/Medical . a substance that contracts the tissues or canals of the body, thereby diminishing discharges, as of mucus or blood.

a cosmetic that cleans the skin and constricts the pores.