'Mordant' definitions:
Definition of 'mordant'
(from WordNet)
adjective
Harshly ironic or sinister; "black humor"; "a grim joke"; "grim laughter"; "fun ranging from slapstick clowning ... to savage mordant wit" [syn: black, grim, mordant]
adjective
Of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action [syn: caustic, corrosive, erosive, vitriolic, mordant]
noun
A substance used to treat leather or other materials before dyeing; aids in dyeing process
Definition of 'Mordant'
From: GCIDE
- 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]
Definition of 'Mordant'
From: GCIDE
- 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]
Definition of 'Mordant'
From: GCIDE
- 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]
Synonyms of 'mordant'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- acerb,
- acerbate,
- acerbic,
- acid,
- acidic,
- acidulent,
- acidulous,
- acrid,
- acrimonious,
- actual cautery,
- asperous,
- astringent,
- Attic,
- biting,
- bitter,
- brand,
- brand iron,
- branding iron,
- brilliant,
- caustic,
- cauter,
- cauterant,
- cauterizer,
- cautery,
- clever,
- corroding,
- corrosive,
- cutting,
- double-edged,
- driving,
- droll,
- edged,
- effective,
- electrocautery,
- escharotic,
- facetious,
- fierce,
- forceful,
- forcible,
- funny,
- gutsy,
- harsh,
- hot iron,
- humorous,
- humorsome,
- imperative,
- impressive,
- incisive,
- irritating,
- jesting,
- jocose,
- jocular,
- joking,
- joky,
- joshing,
- keen,
- keen-witted,
- lunar caustic,
- mordacious,
- moxa,
- nervous,
- nimble-witted,
- nose-tickling,
- penetrating,
- piercing,
- piquant,
- poignant,
- pointed,
- potential cautery,
- powerful,
- punchy,
- pungent,
- quick-witted,
- radium,
- rapier-like,
- rigorous,
- rough,
- salt,
- salty,
- scathing,
- scintillating,
- scorching,
- sensational,
- severe,
- sharp,
- sinewed,
- sinewy,
- slashing,
- smart,
- sour,
- sparkling,
- sprightly,
- stabbing,
- stinging,
- strident,
- striking,
- stringent,
- strong,
- tart,
- telling,
- trenchant,
- vehement,
- vigorous,
- violent,
- virulent,
- vital,
- vitriolic,
- whimsical,
- withering,
- witty