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Definition of "stain" []

  • To discolor, soil, or spot. (verb-transitive)
  • To bring into disrepute; taint or tarnish. (verb-transitive)
  • To color (glass, for example) with a coat of penetrating liquid dye or tint. (verb-transitive)
  • To treat (specimens for the microscope) with a reagent or dye that makes visible certain structures without affecting others. (verb-transitive)
  • To produce or receive discolorations. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "stain" in a sentence
  • "III. iv.26 (182,7) I'll raise the preparation of a war/Shall stain your brother] [T: strain] I do not see but _stain_ may be allowed to remain unaltered, meaning no more than _shame_ or _disgrace_."
  • "She already has drawn 5 tattoos upon her body as well as this neck permanent skin stain is 6th one."
  • "The word stain often carries these ugly definitions: blemish, tarnish, and soil."