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| stain [ stayn ] |
noun (plural stains) |
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| Definition: |
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1. discolored patch: a discolored mark made by something such as blood, wine, or ink
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2. color finish: a liquid that is applied to something, especially wood, to darken it or change its color without hiding its texture or grain
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3. biology dye used to color microscopic specimens: a dye used to color tissues and cells to make features more visible under a microscope
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4. industry dye for textiles or leather: a dye used in liquid form to color textiles or leather
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5. character blemish: something that detracts from a somebody's good reputation
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verb (past and past participle stained, present participle stain·ing, 3rd person present singular stains) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb leave mark on something: to make a discolored mark on something, or be liable to cause or suffer discolored marks
(
often passive
)
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2. transitive verb dye something: to dye something a different or deeper color using liquid or pigment that penetrates the surface
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3. transitive verb tarnish something: to disgrace or detract from something
  reprehensible acts that stained his reputation
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4. transitive verb microbiology color organic specimens: to color organic materials with dyes to make features more visible under a microscope
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| [15th century. Partly < Old Norse steina "paint"; partly < Old French desteindre "discolor" < Latin tingere "to dye"] |
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