1. in a harsh, severe, or sharply critical manner
2. in a way that causes tissues to contract or has a drying effect
Usage: medical; technical

Examples

• The critic reviewed the play astringently, pointing out every flaw.
• She spoke astringently about the company’s poor performance.
• The teacher astringently corrected the student’s careless mistakes.
• The medicine worked astringently on the wound, helping it heal.
• He astringently dismissed their excuses as inadequate.
• The editorial astringently criticized the mayor’s policies.