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mordant

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mordant

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

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