GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Mordant , a. [F., p. pr. of mordere to bite; L. mordere. See Morsel.]
   Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe.
   1913 Webster
   (Dyeing & Calico Printing) Serving to fix colors.
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2.       
   Mordant, n. [F., originally, biting.]
   Any corroding substance used in etching.
   1913 Webster
   (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
   (Gilding) Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made to adhere.
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3.       
   Mordant , 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