madder

noun mad·der \ˈma-dər\

Definition of MADDER

: 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)

a : 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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Illustration of MADDER

Origin of MADDER

Middle English, from Old English mædere; akin to Old High German matara madder

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

Rhymes with MADDER

adder, bladder, ladder

Medical Dictionary

madder

noun mad·der \ˈmad-ər\

Medical Definition of MADDER

: 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)

: the root of the Eurasian madder formerly used in dyeing; also : an alizarin dye prepared from it