First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
: to suffuse with color
3
a : taint 3 <a conscience stained with guilt> b : to bring discredit on <the scandal stained his reputation>
4
: 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
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
1
a : a soiled or discolored spot b : a natural spot of color contrasting with the ground
2
: a taint of guilt : stigma
3
: 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
First Known Use of STAIN
1557
STAINPROOF Defined for Kids
1stain
verb \ˈstān\
stainedstain·ing
Definition of STAIN for Kids
1
: to soil or discolor especially in spots
2
: to use something (as a dye) to change the color of <I spent the weekend staining the deck.>
3
: 1corrupt 1 <Her conscience was stained.>
4
: 1disgrace <The scandal stained his reputation.>
2stain
noun
Definition of STAIN for Kids
1
: 1spot 2, discoloration <Will this stain wash out?>
2
: a mark of guilt or disgrace : stigma
3
: something (as a dye) used in staining
— stain·less \-ləs\ adjective
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