madders

Noun

madder (countable and uncountable, plural madders)

1. A herbaceous plant, Rubia tinctorum, native to Asia, cultivated for a red-purple dye (alizarin) obtained from the root.
   • Madder (Rubia tinctorum). — This plant has a perennial root and an annual stalk. It is cultivated for the roots, which, after being dried and ground, are employed in considerable quantities in dying a fine red colour, and, likewise, as a first tint for several other shades. It is principally...1841, Jesse Buel, The Farmers' Instructor. Consisting of Essays, Practical Directions, and Hints for the Management of the Farm and the Garden. Originally Published in the Cultivator; Selected and...

   Synonyms:

   common madder, dyer's madder

2. The root of the plant, used as a medicine or a dye.
3. A dye made from the plant.
   • Their armour was stained with madder, in such wise that they seemed bathed in blood.1922, E[ric] R[ücker] Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance, London: Jonathan Cape […], →OCLC, page 19
4. A deep reddish colour, like that of the dye.
   • Her big head has coloured to a dim and dreadful madder.1946, Mervyn Peake, Titus Groan

See all 6 meanings of madder