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Added 9 October 2026

mordant

/ˈmɔːdn̩t/ noun

Latin root: mordeō Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about mordant at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A substance used to treat leather or other materials before dyeing; aids in dyeing process.

adjective

Harshly ironic or sinister.
black humor
Of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action.

Origin

From French mordant, from Latin mordeō. Doublet of mordent.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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