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to stain
01
to create marks or discoloration on a surface, usually by accidentally spilling or allowing a substance to absorb
Transitive: to stain sth
Example
Ink from a leaky pen can stain clothing if not treated quickly.
She accidentally stained her shirt with coffee while rushing to work.
Spilling coffee on the carpet may stain it if not cleaned promptly.
02
to change the color of something by a liquid dye or chemical
Transitive: to stain a surface with a color
Example
She stained the plain white curtains with a vibrant blue dye for a pop of color.
The painter stained the exterior walls of the house with a warm beige hue.
She stained the wooden table with a rich mahogany finish to match the decor.
03
to apply a colored substance to a microscopic sample for enhanced visibility under a microscope
Transitive: to stain a microscopic sample with a color
Example
Before examination, the microbiologist stained the bacterial culture with crystal violet.
For better contrast, the cytologist stained the cell nucleus with Giemsa stain.
To visualize the presence of fungi, the mycologist stained the fungal spores with lactophenol cotton blue.
04
to tarnish or blemish the reputation or image of a person, group, or thing
Transitive: to stain someone's reputation
Example
The company 's unethical practices stained its reputation in the eyes of consumers.
The allegations of misconduct stained the reputation of the prestigious university.
A single mistake can stain the reputation of an entire organization.
Stain
01
a soiled or discolored appearance
02
(microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible
03
the state of being covered with unclean things
04
an act that brings discredit to the person who does it
05
a symbol of disgrace or infamy
Example
Ink from a leaky pen can stain clothing if not treated quickly.
She accidentally stained her shirt with coffee while rushing to work.
Spilling coffee on the carpet may stain it if not cleaned promptly.
Certain foods, like berries, have the potential to stain teeth over time.
The red wine spilled on the carpet and stained it permanently.
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