Stain

/steɪn/ · noun

Meaning

A discolored spot or area caused by spillage or other contact with certain fluids or substances..

Definitions by Sense

1. A discolored spot or area caused by spillage or other contact with certain fluids or substances.
2. A blemish on one's character or reputation.
3. A substance used to soak into a surface and colour it.
4. A reagent or dye used to stain microscope specimens so as to make some structures visible.
5. (heraldry) One of a number of non-standard tinctures used chiefly in post-medieval heraldry, especially tenné, murrey, or sanguine.
6. (transitive) To discolor, as by spilling or other contact with a fluid or substance.
7. To taint or tarnish someone's character or reputation
8. To coat a surface with a stain

Example Sentences

The wood will darken whether it is stained or not—the main function of a stain is to enhance the wood's natural color and emphasize its grain.

to stain the hand with dye

armour stained with blood

of Honour void, Of Innocence, of Faith, of Puritie, Our wonted Ornaments now soild and staind

to stain wood with acids, coloured washes, paint rubbed in, etc.

the stained glass used for church windows

She stains the ripest virgins of her age.

that did all other beasts in beauty stain

Synonyms for stain

Antonyms for stain

Related Words

Word Forms

• stains
• staining
• stained

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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