stain

Everyday

1. A dirty mark or spot that is hard to remove. tree →
2. (verb) To make a mark that is hard to remove. tree →
3. (noun or verb) A dye used to colour wood or to make cells easy to see under a microscope. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, juice, grass, ink and mud stain clothes; quick cold water helps. In science, teachers use stains (like iodine) to colour cells so they can be seen under a microscope, and fizzy drinks are tested for staining teeth. In stories, a «stain» on someone's name means something bad they did. Phrases: «grass stain», «stain remover», «stained glass», «stained with».

Examples

• I've got a grass stain on my trousers. tree →
• Blackberries stain your fingers purple. tree →
• Wash the stain out before it dries. tree →
• We used a stain to see the cells under the microscope. tree →
• The church has beautiful stained-glass windows. tree →
• Tea can stain your teeth. tree →
• The carpet was stained with red juice. tree →
• Dad stained the wooden fence dark brown. tree →
• She flew in excitedly, her face flushed and her dress stained with mud. tree →

Note

Countable. Adjective «stainless» means it does not stain or rust, as in «stainless steel». Hot water can set some stains, like blood or egg; use cold water first.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life, juice, grass, ink and mud stain clothes; quick cold water helps. In science, teachers use stains (like iodine) to colour cells so they can be seen under a microscope, and fizzy drinks are tested for staining teeth. In stories, a «stain» on someone's name means something bad they did. Phrases: «grass stain», «stain remover», «stained glass», «stained with».

Note

Countable. Adjective «stainless» means it does not stain or rust, as in «stainless steel». Hot water can set some stains, like blood or egg; use cold water first.