stain
/steɪn/ noun B2- A discolored spot or area caused by spillage or other contact with certain fluids or substances.
- A blemish on one's character or reputation.
- A substance used to soak into a surface and colour it.
- A reagent or dye used to stain microscope specimens so as to make some structures visible.
- One of a number of non-standard tinctures used chiefly in post-medieval heraldry, especially tenné, murrey, or sanguine.
Plural stains
From the library
Few have passed through this revolutionary period, in the midst of which we were born, without some stain of infamy or blood to soil the uniform of the soldier, or the gown of the magistrate.
An examination of his room revealed that the bed had not been slept in, that a safe which stood in it was open, that a number of important papers were scattered about the room, and finally, that there were signs of a murderous struggle, slight traces of blood being found within the room, and an oaken walking-stick, which also showed stains of blood upon the handle.
The blood-stains in the room and also on the stick are very slight.
The blood-stains were very slight, mere smears and discolourations, but undoubtedly fresh.
Other matches
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