Definitions for "Madder"
A plant of the genus Rubia (Rubia tinctorum). The root is much used in dyeing red, and formerly was used in medicine. It is cultivated in France and Holland. See Rubiaceous.
Deep red-brown dye extracted from the root of the Rubia tinctorum or other Rubia plants.
A shrubby herb grown for the dyeing properties of its root. Madder is the basic colorant for Turkey red and the coppery brows of the late 1800s.