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stain vs counterstain

counterstain vs stain

stain and counterstain both are nouns.

stain is a verb but counterstain is not a verb.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
stain Yes No Yes No
counterstain Yes No No No
As nouns, counterstain is a hyponym of stain; that is, counterstain is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than stain:
  • stain: (microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible
  • counterstain: a stain of contrasting color that is used when the principal stain does not show the structure clearly
stain (noun) counterstain (noun)
an act that brings discredit to the person who does it a stain of contrasting color that is used when the principal stain does not show the structure clearly
a soiled or discolored appearance
a symbol of disgrace or infamy
anything regarded as making something unclean
(microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible
stain (verb) counterstain (verb)
produce or leave stains
color with a liquid dye or tint
color for microscopic study
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
Difference between stain and counterstain

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