mordant Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun a substance used to treat leather or other materials before dyeing; aids in dyeing process
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adjective satellite harshly ironic or sinister
black; grim.
- black humor
- a grim joke
- grim laughter
- fun ranging from slapstick clowning ... to savage mordant wit
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adjective satellite of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
erosive; vitriolic; corrosive; caustic.
WordNet
Mor"dant adjective
Etymology
F., p.pr. ofDefinitions
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Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe. -
(Dyeing & Calico Printing) Serving to fix colors.
Mor"dant noun
Etymology
F., originally, biting.Definitions
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Any corroding substance used in etching. -
(Dyeing & Calico Printing) Any substance, as alum or copperas, which, having a twofold attraction for organic fibers and coloring matter, serves as a bond of union, and thus gives fixity to, or bites in, the dyes. -
(Gilding) Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made to adhere.
Mor"dant transitive verb
Wordforms
Definitions
To subject to the action of, or imbue with, a mordant; as, to .mordant goods for dyeing