mordant

Meanings

Plural: mordants

Noun

• a substance used to treat leather or other materials before dyeing; aids in dyeing process
• Any substance used to facilitate the fixing of a dye to a fibre; usually a metallic compound which reacts with the dye using chelation.
• Any corrosive substance used in etching.
• A glutinous size used as a ground for gilding, to make the gold leaf adhere.

Adjective Satellite

• harshly ironic or sinister
  • "fun ranging from slapstick clowning ... to savage mordant wit"
• of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action

Adj

• Having or showing a sharp or critical quality
• Serving to fix a dye to a fibre.

Verb

• To subject to the action of, or imbue with, a mordant.

Synonyms

biting, black, caustic, corrosive, erosive, etchant, grim, keen, sarcastic, severe, vitriolic

Related Words

mordent, morsel, remorse

Anagrams of mordant