Definitions for "Mordant"
Keywords:  alum, dyestuff, dye, sarcastic, bite
Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe.
Serving to fix colors.
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.
Any corroding substance used in etching.
Acid used for etching. MULLER Grinding device with a handle, usually made of glass or steel, which is used to mix pigment with oil or other compounds.
A dilute acid bath (four parts nitric to six parts water) used to etch the surface of a metal printing plate in certain intaglio processes, such as aquataint and etching.
harshly ironic or sinister; "black humor"; "a grim joke"; "grim laughter"; "fun ranging from slapstick clowning ... to savage mordant wit"