constringe

American  

[kuhn-strinj] / kənˈstrɪndʒ /

verb (used with object)

constringed, constringing

1. to constrict; compress; cause to contract.

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constringe British  

/ kənˈstrɪndʒ /

verb

1. rare (tr) to shrink or contract

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Other Word Forms

• constringency noun
• constringent adjective

Etymology

Origin of constringe

1595–1605; < Latin constringere to draw tight, tie up, equivalent to con- con- + stringere to draw; constrict

Example Sentences

The unripe fruit and the bark are extremely astringent, being useful in decoction, or infusion, to check diarrhoea; and externally in poultices or lotions, to constringe such relaxed parts as the throat, and lower bowel.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

If tea be a desiccative, according to Paulli, it cannot weaken the fibres, as our author imagines; if it be emetick, it must constringe the stomach, rather than relax it.

From The Works of Samuel Johnson, Volume 06 Reviews, Political Tracts, and Lives of Eminent Persons by Johnson, Samuel