1. plural of mordancy; the quality of being biting, caustic, or sharply critical in speech or manner
Usage: formal; often used in literary or critical contexts
2. plural of mordancy; in chemistry and dyeing, the quality of being a mordant or having the properties of a mordant (a substance that fixes dyes to fabric)
Usage: technical; chemistry/textile industry

Examples

• The critic's mordancies in her reviews were both feared and respected by playwrights.
• His wit carried a certain mordancy that made people laugh and wince simultaneously.
• The author's mordancies about social hypocrisy cut through the pretense of polite society.
• Different mordancies of chemical compounds affect how well dyes adhere to natural fibers.
• She delivered her observations with such mordancy that no one dared interrupt her.
• The satirist's mordancies were legendary among those who appreciated sharp social commentary.