Gram's stain

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Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A specific staining technique used in microbiology: Gram's stain is a differential staining procedure that classifies bacteria into two major groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) based on the chemical and physical properties of their cell walls. The technique involves applying a series of dyes and decolorizers.
Usage
  • Gram's stain is used as a primary tool for the initial identification and classification of bacterial species in clinical and laboratory settings.
  • The result of the procedure is described as "Gram-positive" or "Gram-negative."
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The laboratory report indicated that the bacteria observed in the sample were Gram-negative rods.
    • Performing a Gram's stain is the first step in identifying the cause of a bacterial infection.
    • The difference in cell wall structure is what the Gram's stain procedure detects.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be Gram-stained": Refers to a sample that has undergone the Gram's stain procedure.
    • The sputum sample was Gram-stained and examined under a microscope.
  • The term can function attributively (as a modifier) in compound nouns, which are listed separately below.
Variants and Related Words
  • Gram stain (noun): A common variant spelling without the possessive apostrophe 's'.
  • Gram-positive (adjective): Describing bacteria that retain the primary violet stain and appear purple.
  • Gram-negative (adjective): Describing bacteria that lose the primary violet stain, take up the counterstain, and appear pink or red.
  • Gram staining (noun): The process or technique of performing a Gram stain.
Synonyms
  • Gram's method: A less common synonym referring to the same technique.
  • Differential stain: A general term for staining procedures that distinguish between types of microorganisms; Gram's stain is a specific type of differential stain.
Related Phrases and Idioms

(This term is a highly specific scientific technique; common idioms or phrasal verbs are not typically associated with it.)

Noun
  1. a staining technique used to classify bacteria; bacteria are stained with gentian violet and then treated with Gram's solution; after being decolorized with alcohol and treated with safranine and washed in water, those that retain the gentian violet are Gram-positive and those that do not retain it are Gram-negative

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