stain

²stain

noun

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

Examples of STAIN

1. There's a juice stain on the floor.
2. She has a stain on her shirt.
3. Will those grass stains wash out?

First Known Use of STAIN

1557

Related to STAIN

Synonyms: blot, brand, onus, slur, smirch, smudge, spot, stigma, taint

Related Words: black eye, discredit, disesteem, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, guilt, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame; corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, unscrupulousness, vice

Near Antonyms: award, credit, honor; chasteness, chastity, modesty, purity, stainlessness; good, right; honesty, integrity, legitimacy, probity, rectitude, scrupulousness, uprightness; goodness, righteousness, virtuousness; fame, glory, renown, repute

see all synonyms and antonyms

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