mordant

noun
UK: /ˈmɔːrdənt/
US: /ˈmɔːrdənt/

  1. A substance used to fix dyes on fabrics or in tissues.

    1. Alum is used as a mordant in some dyeing processes.
    2. The mordant allows the dye to bond permanently with the material fibers.

Synonyms

acerbic biting caustic scathing
mordant verb

  1. To treat something with a mordant.

    1. Mordant the fabric before you dye it.
    2. She mordanted the cotton so it would accept the rich, vibrant colors.
mordant adjective

  1. Having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting or caustic.

    1. He made a mordant joke.
    2. Her mordant wit cut through the pretense at the gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "mordant" is /ˈmɔːrdənt/ in British English and /ˈmɔːrdənt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "mordant": acerbic, biting, caustic, scathing.

Example usage of "mordant": "Alum is used as a mordant in some dyeing processes.". More examples on the page.