direct dye

noun

1. any of a number of dyes that can be applied without the use of a mordant. They are usually azo dyes applied to cotton or rayon from a liquid bath containing an electrolyte such as sodium sulphate

Example Sentences

These three compounds are basic, and the first of them is no longer used as a direct dye because it is fugitive.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be used as a direct dye, but usually a mordant is used.

From Project Gutenberg