/
ˈmɔːd(ə)nt/
adj.
(especially of humour) sharp or critical.
n.
- a substance that combines with a dye or stain and thereby fixes it in a material.
▸an adhesive compound for fixing gold leaf.
- a corrosive liquid used to etch the lines on a printing plate.
v.
impregnate or treat (a fabric) with a mordant.
Derivative
- mordancy n.
- mordantly adv.
Etymology
C15: from Fr., pres. part. of mordre ‘to bite’, from L. mordere.
