Styptic
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈstɪptɪk/
Alternative forms
- styptick obsolete
Origin
From Latin stypticus, from Ancient Greek στυπτικός, from στÏφειν (stuphein, "to contract").
Full definition of styptic
Adjective
styptic
- Bringing about contraction of tissues; harsh, raw, austere.
- 1982, TC Boyle, Water Music, Penguin 2006, p. 328:Boyles turns to look over his shoulder, squinting into the styptic sun, and then flags a hand over his head.
- Specifically, that stops bleeding.
- 1973, Nicholas Monsarrat, The Kapillan of Malta:The growth on top was a scrubby plant, unknown anywhere else on Malta, which was believed to have styptic qualities – it could staunch bleeding when packed on top of a wound ….
Noun
styptic
(plural styptics)- A substance used for styptic results.
- 1876: Henry Beasley, The Book of PrescriptionsThe powdered gum with resin is used as a styptic; and the mucilage has been recommended as an application to burns.
- 1889: John Barclay Biddle, Materia Medica and Therapeutics: For Physicians and StudentsExternally, it is applied as a styptic, and in solution, of various strengths, as an astringent.
- 1990: A. L. Tommie Bass et al., Herbal Medicine Past and PresentKnowledge of puffball's use as a styptic and for hemorrhoids reached Bass through the popular tradition.