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   Stain

   /stān/

   

   verb

   • 1. mark (something) with colored patches or dirty marks that are not easily removed: "her clothing was stained with blood" Similar discolorblemishsoilmarkmuddyspotspattersplattersmearsplashsmudgeblotchblackendirtyget/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 todishonordrag through the mud
   • 2. color (a material or object) by applying a penetrative dye or chemical: "wood can always be stained to a darker shade" Similar colortintdyetingeshadepigmentvarnishpaintcolor-wash

   noun

   • 1. a colored 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 jail as a stain on his character" Similar blemishinjurytaintblotblot on one's escutcheonslursmeardiscreditdishonorstigmadamage
   • 2. a penetrative dye or chemical used in coloring a material or object. Similar tintcolordyetingeshadepigmentcolorantvarnishpaintcolor wash
   • ▪ a special dye used to color organic tissue so as to make the structure visible for microscopic examination.
   • ▪ any of the minor colors 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 color 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

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