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.

adjective

bland , mild

adjective

acetic , acrid , biting , bitter , cutting , sharp , tonic , acerbic , acid , acidic , caustic , corrosive , mordacious , mordant , pungent , scathing , slashing , stinging , trenchant , truculent , vitriolic , acerb , alum , binding , compressive , constrictive , harsh , severe , sour , stern , styptic , tannin , tart