Definition of madder
1 : a Eurasian herb (Rubia tinctorum of the family Rubiaceae, the madder family) with whorled leaves and small yellowish panicled flowers succeeded by dark berries; broadly : any of several related herbs (genus Rubia)
2a : the root of the Eurasian madder used formerly in dyeing; also : an alizarin dye prepared from itb : a moderate to strong red
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of madder
Origin and Etymology of madder
Middle English, from Old English mædere; akin to Old High German matara madder
First Known Use: before 12th century
Medical Dictionary
madder
playMedical Definition of madder
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
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