¹stain

verb \ˈstān\

: to leave a mark on something

: to be marked or damaged by a stain

: to use a special liquid to change the color of (something)

Full Definition of STAIN

transitive verb

: to suffuse with color

: discolor, soil

a : taint 3 <a conscience stained with guilt>

b : to bring discredit on <the scandal stained his reputation>

: to color (as wood, glass, or cloth) by processes affecting chemically or otherwise the material itself

intransitive verb

: to receive a stain

— stain·able \ˈstā-nə-bəl\ adjective

— stain·er \ˈstā-nər\ noun

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Origin of STAIN

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to STAIN

Synonyms: blemish, darken, mar, poison, spoil, taint, tarnish, touch, vitiate

Antonyms: decolorize

²stain

noun

: a mark made on a surface, a piece of clothing, etc., that is very hard or impossible to remove

: a special liquid that is used to change the color of something (such as wood or cloth)

: something that causes people to have less respect for someone : something that damages a person's reputation

Full Definition of STAIN

a : a soiled or discolored spot

b : a natural spot of color contrasting with the ground

: a taint of guilt : stigma

: a preparation (as of dye or pigment) used in staining: 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

— stain·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective

See stain defined for English-language learners