2 results for: Stained

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stain    Audio Help   (stān)  Pronunciation Key 
v.   stained, stain·ing, stains

v.   tr.
  1. To discolor, soil, or spot.
  2. To bring into disrepute; taint or tarnish.
  3. To color (glass, for example) with a coat of penetrating liquid dye or tint.
  4. To treat (specimens for the microscope) with a reagent or dye that makes visible certain structures without affecting others.

v.   intr.
To produce or receive discolorations.

n.  
  1. A discolored or soiled spot or smudge.
  2. A blemish on one's moral character or reputation.
  3. A liquid substance applied especially to wood that penetrates the surface and imparts a rich color.
  4. A reagent or dye used for staining microscopic specimens.


[Middle English steinen, partly from Old French desteindre, desteign-, to deprive of color (des-, dis- + teindre, to dye from Latin tingere), and partly from Old Norse steina, to paint.]

stain'a·ble adj., stain'er n.
Synonyms: These nouns denote a mark of discredit or disgrace, as on one's good name: a stain on his honor; the blot of treason; the brand of cowardice; the stigma of ignominious defeat; the taint of vice.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Stained

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