adjective.
Tending to draw together or constrict tissues; styptic.
adjective.
Sharp and penetrating; pungent or severe.
noun.
A substance or preparation, such as alum, that draws together or constricts body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Binding; contracting; constrictive; styptic.
noun.
A substance which contracts the tissues and canals of the body, condensing the soft solids, and thereby checking or diminishing excessive discharges, as of blood.
noun.
Formerly also adstringent.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
adjective.
Drawing together the tissues; binding; contracting; -- opposed to laxative
adjective.
Stern; austere.
noun.
A medicine or other substance that produces contraction in the soft organic textures, and checks discharges of blood, mucus, etc.