madder

¹

[ mad-er ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Rubia, especially the climbing R. tinctorum, of Europe, having open clusters of small, yellowish flowers. Compare madder family.
2. the root of this plant, formerly used in dyeing.
3. the dye or coloring matter itself.
4. a color produced by such a dye.

madder

²

[ mad-er ]

adjective

1. comparative of mad.

madder

¹

/ ˈmædə /

adjective

1. See mad
   the comparative of mad

madder

²

/ ˈmædə /

noun

1. any of several rubiaceous plants of the genus Rubia, esp the Eurasian R. tinctoria, which has small yellow flowers and a red fleshy root
2. the root of this plant
3. a dark reddish-purple dye formerly obtained by fermentation of this root; identical to the synthetic dye, alizarin
4. a red lake obtained from alizarin and an inorganic base; used as a pigment in inks and paints

Word History and Origins

Origin of madder¹

before 1000; Middle English mad ( d ) er, Old English mæd ( e ) re; cognate with Old Norse mathra, Old High German matara

Word History and Origins

Origin of madder¹

Old English mædere; related to Middle Dutch mēde, Old Norse mathra

Example Sentences

Late last week, McDonough assured us that Obama is “madder than hell” about the VA fiasco.

From The Daily Beast

Thus the new marching orders: get madder about the same old things - but in an even more deranged fashion.

From The Daily Beast

They're going to eventually face defense cuts which will make the hawks madder than hell.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand, in fairness to them, if they had read the book, they'd no doubt be madder still.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, among some pockets of the rich, the more Republicans cut their taxes, the madder they get.

From The Daily Beast

Jack asked a little sharply, and Howard replied, "No, sir; she was madder than a hatter; you've no cause to be jealous."

From Project Gutenberg

So he rode before the host with his forty knights, no spirit madder than he,—a very St. George when he fell upon the Moslems.

From Project Gutenberg

Nonie's cheeks were scarlet; she was getting madder and madder with every word she said.

From Project Gutenberg

Mis Betsy wud pitch in en say things that made 'em madder en madder.

From Project Gutenberg

She was a poor, mad creature that I met in my wandering—even madder than myself, perhaps, for I remember it all distinctly.

From Project Gutenberg