styptic

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.4 Noun 1.5 Derived terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin stypticus, from Ancient Greek στυπτικός, from στύφειν ‘to contract’.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈstɪptɪk/

[edit] Adjective

styptic (comparative more styptic, superlative most styptic)

1. Bringing about contraction of tissues, especially to stop 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

[edit] Noun

styptic (plural styptics)

1. A substance used for styptic results.
   • 1876: Henry Beasley, The Book of Prescriptions

     The 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 Students

     Externally, 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 Present

     Knowledge of puffball's use as a styptic and for hemorrhoids reached Bass through the popular tradition.

[edit] Derived terms

• styptic pencil