3 entries under this word

Mordant

Môr'dant, a.

adjective

a. [Fr., p. pr. of mordre, Lat. mordere, to bite.]

Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe.
(Dyeing & Calico Printing.) Serving to fix colors.

Môr'dant, n.

noun

[Fr., biting.] 1. (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 between them, and thus gives fixity to dyes. 2. (Gilding.) Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made to adhere.

Mōr'dant, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. MORDANTED; p. pr. & vb. n. MORDANTING.] To subject to the action of a mordant; as, to mordant goods for dyeing.