[ 'mɔ:d(ə)nt ]
■ adjective (especially of humour) sharp or critical.
■ noun
1》 a substance that combines with a dye or stain and thereby fixes it in a material.
↘an adhesive compound for fixing gold leaf.
2》 a corrosive liquid used to etch the lines on a printing plate.
■ verb impregnate or treat (a fabric) with a ~.
Derivatives
mordancy noun
~ly adverb
Origin
C15: from Fr., pres. participle of mordre 'to bite', from L. mordere .