: a preparation (as of dye or pigment) used in staining: such as
a
: a dye or pigment capable of penetrating the pores of wood
b
: a dye or mixture of dyes used in microscopy to make visible minute and transparent structures, to differentiate tissue elements, or to produce specific chemical reactions
Verb The red wine stained the carpet. He stained the wood a dark cherry color. The accusations stained his reputation. Noun There's a juice stain on the floor. She has a stain on her shirt. Will those grass stains wash out? See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Dye from other garments can stain or lend a dingy appearance to white clothes. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2022 Anton’s Law has ushered in uncertain times for Maryland officers concerned about whether complaints or missteps could stain their reputations, and for departments navigating the new legal requirements. Steve Thompson, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2022 As Rutledge read a book in which Buechner recounted the sudden loss of his father, he was stunned to see his tears stain the pages. John Blake, CNN, 21 Aug. 2022 One user shared a suggestion before applying: wear gloves when using, as this gloss can stain your skin. Dori Price, Good Housekeeping, 15 Aug. 2022 No disrespect to the plastic quart containers ubiquitous in restaurant kitchens, but glass food storage containers won’t stain, can go straight into the oven or microwave, and are dishwasher-safe. Mackenzie Chung Fegan, Bon Appétit, 13 July 2022 Fresh sweat stains, which will appear as light yellow patches that stain the underarm of shirts, should be pretreated with an enzymatic formula like Krud Kutter Sports Stain Remover or Zout prior to laundering. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2022 Dog urine can also wreak havoc on hardscapes such as decks and garden paths, so, if possible, choose nonporous materials that won’t stain or absorb liquids and odors.Washington Post, 4 May 2022 This natural deodorant from Hawthorne looks super sleek and offers odor prevention that won’t stain your clothes.The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 Mar. 2022
Noun
Sand the edges and corners, and apply a coat of natural wood stain and sealer; let dry. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2022 Once the wood is smooth and clean, use synthetic paint brushes to apply two coats of stain for a uniform, polished look. Daniel Bortz, Washington Post, 30 June 2022 The town’s famous Boardwalk is getting more than a fresh coat of stain. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2022 The play deals with lots of issues: a daughter’s responsibility to her mother, the challenges of being a member of an affluent Black elite, the clash between the American mythology of racial progress and the stubbornness of the stain of slavery. Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 2 Feb. 2022 Today, permanent markers have replaced charcoal, Kool-Aid doubles as hair dye, clear deodorant for blush and M&M's are used in lieu of lip stain. Zara Stone, CNN, 2 Nov. 2021 NBA Finals run that had removed much of the stain from some of the most embarrassing days in franchise history. Greg Moore, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2021 Think: a colourful patch on top of a rip in your jeans, or an embroidered design on top of a coffee stain.refinery29.com, 19 Oct. 2021 Unquestionably, we are getting rid of this stain and will decree so immediately. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, National Review, 13 Oct. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English steynen, partly from Anglo-French desteindre to take away the color from & partly of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse steina to paint — more at distain