stain

• Nom désignant une marque ou une tache laissée sur une surface, une décoloration ou un défaut, ou encore une substance colorante utilisée pour teindre, notamment en microscopie.

A noun referring to a mark, discoloration, or blemish on a surface, or a substance used to impart color, especially in microscopy.

1. Discoloration or markA2formal

   A mark or spot that is difficult to remove, often caused by dirt, liquid, or other substances.

   tache

   • The red wine left a permanent stain on the white tablecloth.
   • She tried to remove the grass stain from her jeans.
   • The old carpet had several dark stains.

   Synonymesblemishblotblotchdiscolorationmarksmudgesplotchspot

2. Microscopy dyeC1formalscientific

   A dye or coloring material used in microscopy to make structures visible.

   colorant de microscopie

   • The biologist applied a fluorescent stain to the cell sample.
   • Gram stain is used to classify bacteria.
   • The tissue was treated with a special stain to highlight the nuclei.

   Synonymesdyetint

3. State of being dirtyB1formal

   The condition of being covered with unclean or dirty things.

   état de saleté

   • The kitchen floor was in a state of stain after the party.
   • His clothes were in a terrible stain from working in the garden.
   • The stain on the walls indicated years of neglect.

   Antonymescleanlinesspurityspotlessness

4. Symbol of disgraceB2formal

   A mark of shame or dishonor on a person's reputation.

   tache (sur la réputation)

   • The scandal left a stain on his otherwise clean record.
   • Her actions brought a stain upon the family name.
   • The betrayal was a stain that could never be washed away.

   Synonymesblemishblotslursmirchstigmatainttarnish

   Antonymescreditgloryhonor

5. Discrediting actB2formal

   An action that brings discredit or dishonor to the person who performs it.

   Action déshonorante

   • His dishonesty was a stain on his character.
   • The politician's corruption was a stain on his career.
   • She considered the lie a stain on her integrity.

   Synonymesblotsmirchspottainttarnish

   Antonymescreditgloryhonorpraise

• Verbe désignant l'action de marquer ou de décolorer quelque chose, ou d'appliquer une substance colorante sur une surface.

A verb used to indicate the act of marking or discoloring something, or applying a coloring agent to a surface.

1. Color with a liquid dye or tintB1formal

   To apply a coloring agent, such as dye or pigment, to a surface, typically wood or fabric.

   Teindre

   • He stained the wooden table a rich mahogany color.
   • She stained the fabric with a natural plant-based dye.
   • The carpenter stained the new bookshelf to match the existing furniture.

   Synonymescolordyeimbuetingetint

   Antonymesbleachwhiten

2. Produce or leave stainsA2formal

   To cause a mark or discoloration that is difficult to remove.

   tacher

   • Red wine stains the carpet easily.
   • The grass stains on his jeans were hard to wash out.
   • Be careful, the ink from this pen stains your fingers.

   Synonymesblemishblotdiscolormarksmudgesoilspottarnish

   Antonymesbleachcleanpurifywhiten

3. Make dirty or spottyB2formal

   To spoil the appearance of something by leaving a mark; can also be used metaphorically to mean tarnish a reputation.

   tacher, souiller

   • The scandal stained his otherwise spotless career.
   • The rain stained the freshly painted wall.
   • Her reputation was stained by the false accusations.

   Synonymesbesmirchblemishblotchdirtydiscolorsmudgesoilspotsullytarnish

   Antonymescleanpurify

4. Color for microscopic studyC1formalscientific

   To apply a special dye to biological specimens to make structures visible under a microscope.

   Colorer pour étude microscopique

   • The biologist stained the tissue sample to highlight the cell nuclei.
   • To identify the bacteria, the lab technician stained the slide.
   • Different stains are used to visualize various cellular components.

   Synonymescolordyetingetint