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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
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Recent Examples of madder from the Web
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Over the centuries, popular plants used for dyes included indigo, madder and saffron.
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And the national attention focused on him in the wake of killing Booth drove him madder still.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'madder'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of madder
Origin and Etymology of madder
Middle English, from Old English mædere; akin to Old High German matara madder
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
Learn More about madder
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See words that rhyme with madder Nglish: Translation of madder for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of madder for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about madder
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