Definition

1. Verb:
   • To dye with fast colors: To apply a dye that is resistant to fading, running, or washing out. This process creates a long-lasting color on a material.

Usage

• The verb "fast dye" describes the specific action of applying a colorfast dye to a fabric or material. It is often used in its past participle form "fast-dyed" as an adjective to describe the resulting product.
• Instruction: Use "fast dye" when describing the process. Use "fast-dyed" (often hyphenated) to describe an item that has undergone this process.

Examples

• Verb (infinitive/imperative):
  • The manufacturer will fast dye the entire batch of cotton to ensure color longevity.
  • Fast dye these fabrics to prevent the colors from bleeding.
• Verb (past participle as adjective):
  • She bought a fast-dyed scarf that retains its vibrant hue even after many washes.
  • These fast-dyed shirts are ideal for uniforms.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: In textile manufacturing, "to fast dye" implies using specific dyes and fixing agents to achieve colorfastness, meeting quality standards for durability.
  • The new protocol allows us to fast dye synthetic fibers more efficiently.

Variants and Related Words

• Fast-dyed (adj.): Describing a material colored with a fast dye.
  • Fast-dyed garments are more sustainable as they require less frequent replacement.
• Colorfast (adj.): The property of a dyed material to not fade or run. This is the result of fast dyeing.
  • Check the label to see if the fabric is colorfast before washing it with other clothes.
• Dye-fast (adj.): A less common variant synonymous with colorfast.

Synonyms

• Fix a dye: To treat a dye to make it permanent.
• Set a color: To process a dye so it becomes resistant to fading.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "fast dye" is specific to textile processing. Do not confuse it with the adjective "fast" meaning quick, or the verb "to fast" meaning to abstain from food. Here, "fast" is an adjective meaning "firmly fixed" or "not running."

Verb

1. dye with fast colors
   • These shirts should be fast-dyed