: a stick of a medicated styptic substance for use especially in shaving to stop the bleeding from small cuts
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebAs another potential point in alum’s corner, Dr. Voigt notes that it is sometimes used in devices like styptic pencils, or small medicated sticks that help to stop bleeding from things like shaving cuts. Zahra Barnes, SELF, 12 Dec. 2017
Word History
First Known Use
1908, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
styptic pencil
noun
: a cylindrical stick of a medicated styptic substance used especially in shaving to stop the bleeding from small cuts