stainless

Everyday

1. Stainless means without stains or marks. tree →
2. Stainless steel is a kind of steel mixed with chromium that does not rust or stain easily. tree →
3. (formal, literary) Stainless can mean morally perfect, with no bad deeds. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons stainless steel is an example of an alloy, a mixture of metals, used for cutlery, sinks, pans and hospital tools because it is easy to clean and does not rust. In stories it can describe a person with a spotless, good reputation. Phrases: stainless steel, a stainless record.

Examples

• Our kitchen sink is made of stainless steel. tree →
• Stainless steel spoons stay shiny for years. tree →
• Doctors use stainless steel tools because they are easy to keep clean. tree →
• Stainless steel has chromium in it to stop rust. tree →
• The water bottle is stainless steel, so it keeps my drink cold. tree →
• The knight had a stainless reputation. tree →
• The tablecloth was stainless after Mum washed it. tree →

Note

Stainless steel can still get fingermarks and can rust a little in salty water; it just resists rust much better. «-less» means «without»: stainless = without stains.