Main Entry: ¹mor·dant

Pronunciation: \ˈmȯr-d^ənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle French, present participle of mordre to bite, from Latin mordēre; perhaps akin to Sanskrit mṛdnāti he presses, rubs

Date: 15th century

1 : biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : incisive <a mordant wit>
2 : acting as a mordant
3 : burning, pungent

synonyms see caustic

— mor·dant·ly adverb