Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of being stained: Describes a material, substance, or especially biological tissue that can absorb and retain a dye or pigment for the purpose of making structures visible under examination.
   • Susceptible to discoloration: Describes a surface or material that can easily become marked or discolored by a foreign substance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The biologist noted that the tissue sample was highly stainable, allowing for clear microscopic analysis.
  • This fabric is not stainable by common household liquids, making it ideal for upholstery.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific contexts: The term is most frequently used in biology, histology, and cytology to describe cells or cellular components that can be dyed for study.
  • The stainable properties of the nucleus help distinguish it from the surrounding cytoplasm.

Variants and Related Words

• Stain (verb/noun): To color for microscopic study; a discoloration or spot.
• Stainability (noun): The quality or degree of being capable of being stained.
  • The stainability of the sample was crucial for the experiment.

Synonyms

• Dyeable: Capable of being colored with a dye.
• Tingeable: Capable of being slightly colored.

Antonyms

• Non-porous: Not allowing liquids or stains to penetrate.
• Stain-resistant: Treated to repel stains.

Adjective

1. capable of being stained (especially of cells and cell parts)