English Dictionary
Definition of “mordant”
mordant (ˈmɔːdəntnt
)
Definitions
adjective
- sarcastic or caustic
- having the properties of a mordant
- pungent
noun
- a substance used before the application of a dye, possessing the ability to fix colours in textiles, leather, etc See also lake2 (sense 1)
- an acid or other corrosive fluid used to etch lines on a printing plate
verb
- (tr) to treat (a fabric, yarn, etc) with a mordant
Alternative Forms
ˈmordancy noun ˈmordantly adverb Word Origin
C15: from Old French: biting, from mordre to bite, from Latin mordēre
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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sarcastic,
cutting,
biting,
edged,
sharp,
acid,
harsh,
stinging,
scathing,
acrimonious,
pungent,
incisive,
caustic,
venomous,
astringent,
vitriolic,
acerbic,
trenchant,
waspish,
mordacious,
Usage examples
Even the mordant teen idol lament of'Seventeen ' sounds ferocious.
NME (New Musical Express) (2002)Lebrecht obviously relishes the mordant survivor humour of the time.
Globe and Mail (2003)Sarah Kane was a moralist of sometimes rebarbative rigour and mordant wit.
Independent (1999)When using natural dyes, a mordant must be added to keep the dye colourfast.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E., Technology Basic Facts (1990)
