Pronunciation: [mˈadə] (IPA) 
The word "madder" can be tricky to spell due to its unusual pronunciation. It is pronounced /ˈmædər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The double "d" in the middle of the word can also be confusing for some as it is not immediately clear whether it should be doubled or not. "Madder" is a plant that is commonly used to produce a red dye, and is also used in traditional medicine.
Madder is a noun with multiple definitions, depending on the context it is used in.
The first definition of madder refers to a plant, specifically the Rubia tinctorum, which belongs to the coffee family. This plant is native to Europe and North Africa and has long been cultivated for its roots, which produce a red dye used in traditional dyeing processes. The roots of the madder plant contain a pigment called alizarin, which is extracted and used to obtain various shades of red, ranging from soft pinks to deep burgundies.
Madder can also refer to the red dye obtained from the roots of the madder plant. Historically, this dye was widely used in traditional textiles, such as clothing and tapestries, to create vibrant red colors. However, with the advent of synthetic dyes, the use of madder dye has significantly declined.
In addition to its botanical and dye-related definitions, madder can also be used figuratively as a noun to describe a person afflicted with intense anger or rage. This usage reflects the association of the color red, derived from madder dye, with strong emotions such as anger.
Overall, madder encompasses the meanings of both a plant and a dye that have had historical significance in textile production, as well as a symbolic representation of intense anger.
The name of a plant, the root of which is much used in dyeing red, several valuable pigments of different colours being also prepared from the colouring matter of the root.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word madder originates from the Middle English word mader which was derived from the Old English word mædere. This Old English term was borrowed from the Proto-Germanic word madran, which meant to stain or to dye. Madder specifically refers to a plant, Rubia tinctorum, which produces a red dye. The plant was widely used as a source of dye in Europe, leading to the naming of the dye and the plant itself as madder.
