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Discuss Email this Feedback RSS/XML Permalink A.Word.A.Day--styptic styptic (STIP-tik) adjective 1. Able to check bleeding, whether by contracting the tissues or by promoting clotting. 2. Tending to contract organic tissues. noun A substance that stops bleeding of minor cuts. [From Late Latin stypticus, from Greek stupikos, from stuphein, (to contract).] Today's word in Visual Thesaurus. "'I'm looking for a styptic pencil for an elderly guest,' Tom explained. The styptic pencil - used to stave off minor bleeding - was not to be found but Tom was delighted to come across some Burma Shave, left on the shelf from a bygone age." Bruce Bellingham; Kindness of Strangers; San Francisco Examiner; Dec 2, 2003. This week's theme: words related to medicine. X-Bonus You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. -Harper Lee, writer (1926- )

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