stain

About 5.66 uses per million words.

Meaning

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

   to stain the hand with dye

7. verb To taint or tarnish someone's character or reputation
8. verb To coat a surface with a stain

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

Similar words

blot fleck smirch smear blob discoloration discolouration grease brand filth

Often followed by

of on the and is for with in upon

Word family

stainable stained stainer stainers staining stainproof stains