| Term | Definition |
| astringent (adj.) | 1. drawing (the tissues) tightly together (e.g., to check bleeding) 2. stern; austere |
| astringent (n.) | substance that shrinks the tissues and checks flow of blood |
| boa constrictor | snake that "constricts" or crushes its prey in its coils |
| constrict | draw together; render narrower; shrink |
| restrict | keep within limits (literally, "keep back"); confine |
| stricture | 1. adverse criticism (literally, "tightening"); censure 2. restriction |
| stringent | strict (literally, "binding tight"); rigid; severe |
| unrestricted | 1. not confined within bounds; free 2. open to all |