Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Astringent \As*trin"gent\ (-jent), a. [L. astringens, p. pr. of
   astringere: cf. F. astringent. See {Astringe}.]
   1. Drawing together the tissues; binding; contracting; --
      opposed to {laxative}; as, astringent medicines; a butter
      and astringent taste; astringent fruit.

   2. Stern; austere; as, an astringent type of virtue.

Astringent \As*trin"gent\, n.
   A medicine or other substance that produces contraction in
   the soft organic textures, and checks discharges of blood,
   mucus, etc.

         External astringents are called styptics. --Dunglison.

Source : WordNet®

astringent
     adj 1: sour or bitter in taste [syn: {acerb}, {acerbic}, {sharp}]
     2: tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue;
        "astringent cosmetic lotions" [ant: {nonastringent}]

astringent
     n : a drug that causes contraction of body tissues and canals
         [syn: {astringent drug}, {styptic}]