Main Entry: mad·der

Pronunciation: \ˈmad-ər\

Function: noun

1 : a Eurasian herb (Rubia tinctorum of the family Rubiaceae, the madder family) with whorled leaves, clusters of small yellowish flowers, and red to black berries ; broadly : any of several related herbs (genus Rubia)
2 : the root of the Eurasian madder formerly used in dyeing ; also : an alizarin dye prepared from it