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ingrain

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅grain

  [v. in-greyn; adj., n. in-greyn]
Use ingrain in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to implant or fix deeply and firmly, as in the nature or mind.
–adjective
2. ingrained; firmly fixed.
3. (of fiber or yarn) dyed in a raw state, before being woven or knitted.
4. made of fiber or yarn so dyed: ingrain fabric.
5. (of carpets) made of ingrain yarn and so woven as to show a different pattern on each side; reversible.
–noun
6. yarn, wool, etc., dyed before manufacture.
7. an ingrain carpet.
Also, engrain (for defs. 1, 2).

Origin:
1760–70; orig. phrase (dyed) in grain (i.e., with kermes)

Synonyms:
1. infuse, inculcate, imbue.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To ingrain
in·grain   (ĭn-grān')   
tr.v.   in·grained, in·grain·ing, in·grains

  1. To fix deeply or indelibly, as in the mind: "A system that had been ingrained for generations could not be easily undone by change from the top" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).

  2. Archaic To dye or stain into the fiber of.

adj.   (ĭn'grān')

  1. Deep-seated; ingrained.

  2. Made of predyed fibers; thoroughly dyed: ingrain yarn.

  3. Made of fiber or yarn dyed before weaving. Used especially of rugs.

n.   (ĭn'grān')

  1. Yarn or fiber dyed before manufacture.

  2. An ingrain rug or carpet.


[Variant of engrain.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

ingrain 
1766, see engrain. Fig. use, of qualities, habits, etc., attested from 1851 (in ingrained).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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