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1. Dictionary

   stain

   /steɪn/

   verb

   • 1. mark or discolour with something that is not easily removed: "her clothing was stained with blood" Similar discolourblemishsoilmarkmuddyspotspattersplattersmearsplashsmudgeblotchblackendirtyget/make dirtyget/make filthysullyspoildefilepollutecontaminatefoulbefoulgrimebegrimeliterary:besmirch
   • ▪ be marked or be liable to be marked with a stain.
   • ▪ damage or bring disgrace to (the reputation or image of someone or something): "the awful events would unfairly stain the city's reputation" Similar damageinjureharmsullysoilblackentarnishtaintbesmirchblemishdefileblotsmearbring discredit todishonourdrag through the mud
   • 2. colour (a material or object) by applying a penetrative dye or chemical: "wood can always be stained to a darker shade" Similar colourtintdyetingeshadepigmentvarnishpaintcolour-wash

   noun

   • 1. a coloured patch or dirty mark that is difficult to remove: "there were mud stains on my shoes" Similar markspotspattersplatterblotchblemishsmudgesmeardirtfoxing
   • ▪ a thing that damages or brings disgrace to someone or something's reputation: "he regarded his time in gaol as a stain on his character" Similar blemishinjurytaintblotblot on one's escutcheonslursmeardiscreditdishonourstigmadamage
   • 2. a penetrative dye or chemical used in colouring a material or object. Similar tintcolourdyetingeshadepigmentcolourantvarnishpaintcolour wash
   • ▪ a special dye used to colour organic tissue so as to make the structure visible for microscopic examination.
   • ▪ any of the minor colours used in blazoning and liveries, especially tenné and sanguine.

   Word Origin late Middle English (as a verb): shortening of archaic distain, from Old French desteindre ‘tinge with a colour different from the natural one’. The noun was first recorded (mid 16th century) in the sense ‘defilement, disgrace’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. stainable adjective
   • 2. stainer noun

   Scrabble Points: 5

   • S

     1

   • T

     1

   • A

     1

   • I

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   • N

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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › stainStain Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › stain

   • Cached

   Learn the meaning of stain as a verb and a noun, with synonyms, examples, and word history. Find out how to use stain in different contexts, such as coloring, discoloring, tainting, or marking.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishSTAIN | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   STAIN definition: 1. to leave a mark on something that is difficult to remove: 2. If a material stains, it absorbs…. Learn more.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionarySTAIN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   to change the color of something using a chemical: She stripped the floorboards and stained them dark brown. Fewer examples. Water and other liquids can stain unprotected wood surfaces. Lily pollen stains really badly. Red wine stains. The wood itself was light but I stained it darker. You can stain wood in different colors.

5. www.dictionary.com › browse › stainSTAIN Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › stain

   • Cached

   noun. a discoloration produced by foreign matter having penetrated into or chemically reacted with a material; a spot not easily removed. Synonyms: blot, imperfection, mark. a natural spot or patch of color different from that of the basic color, as on the body of an animal. a cause of reproach; stigma; blemish: a stain on one's reputation.

6. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishSTAIN definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   Learn the meaning, pronunciation, synonyms, and usage of the word 'stain' in British and American English. A stain can be a mark, a discoloration, a blemish, or a dye that penetrates a substance.

7. www.thefreedictionary.com › stainStain - definition of stain by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › stain

   • Cached

   A stain is a discolored or soiled spot, a mark of disgrace, or a dye for coloring materials. Learn the different meanings and uses of stain from various sources, such as dictionaries, thesaurus, and biology.

8. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › stainStain - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › stain

   A stain is a mark or discoloration, and to stain something is to mark it with dirt or color it, either deliberately or accidentally. If you stain your sister's favorite sweatshirt, she might be mad at you—especially if you didn't ask before borrowing it.