Definitions for: Mordant

[n] a substance used to treat leather or other materials before dyeing; aids in dyeing process
[adj] harshly ironic or sinister; "black humor"; "a grim joke"; "grim laughter"; "fun ranging from slapstick clowning ... to savage mordant wit"

Webster (1913) Definition: Mor"dant, a. [F., p. pr. of mordere to bite; L.
mordere. See Morsel.]
1. Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe.

2. (Dyeing & Calico Printing) Serving to fix colors.

Mor"dant, n. [F., originally, biting.]
1. Any corroding substance used in etching.

2. (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.

3. (Gilding) Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made
to adhere.

Mor"dant, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mordanted; p. pr. &
vb. n. Mordanting.]
To subject to the action of, or imbue with, a mordant; as, to
mordant goods for dyeing.

Synonyms: black, grim, sarcastic

See Also: antimony potassium tartrate, chrome alum, color, coloring material, colour, colouring material, sodium bichromate, sodium dichromate, tartar emetic

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