Definition of astringency

The word "astringency" has its roots in the Latin "astringere," which means "to bind together" or "to tighten." This Latin verb is a combination of "a-" (meaning "against" or "toward") and "stringere" (meaning "to bind" or "to tighten"). In the 14th century, "astringency" was borrowed into Middle English from Old French "estringence," which was derived from the same Latin root. Initially, the word referred to the quality of being dry or stern, but over time its meaning shifted to describe a sensation of dryness or puckering in the mouth and throat, particularly when consuming certain foods and drinks. Today, astringency is often used to describe the sensation of eating or drinking something sour, bitter, or astringent, such as certain fruits, vegetables, or tea leaves.