staining Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun (histology) the use of a dye to color specimens for microscopic study
   
2. noun the act of spotting or staining something
   maculation; spotting.
   
3. verb color with a liquid dye or tint
   stain.
   
   • Stain this table a beautiful walnut color
   • people knew how to stain glass a beautiful blue in the middle ages
4. verb produce or leave stains
   stain.
   
   • Red wine stains the table cloth
5. verb make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
   tarnish; sully; stain; maculate; defile.
   
   • The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air
   • Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man
6. verb color for microscopic study
   stain.
   
   • The laboratory worker dyed the specimen

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