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 it
b
: a moderate to strong red
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for madder
The first known use of madder was before the 12th century
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