Dictionary definitions
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mordant
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Mordant \Mor"dant\, a. [F., p. pr. of mordere to bite; L. mordere. See Morsel.] 1. Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe. [1913 Webster] 2. (Dyeing & Calico Printing) Serving to fix colors. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Mordant \Mor"dant\, n. [F., originally, biting.]
1. Any corroding substance used in etching.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Gilding) Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made
to adhere.
[1913 Webster]
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Mordant \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. [1913 Webster]
