Definition

Not easily stained by dyes, often referring to cells or structures that do not absorb color when treated with staining agents.

Example

The chromophobe cells in the tissue sample did not take up the dye during the experiment.

Conversation

Did you know that some cells are chromophobe?

Really? I had no idea what that meant until now.

Yeah, they don't stain easily with dyes at all.

That’s interesting! It must make studying them a bit tricky.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chromophobe → It is formed from "chromo-" (from Greek "chroma", meaning color) and "-phobe" (from Greek "phobos", meaning fear). The word describes someone who has a fear or aversion to colors.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who has a 'fear' ('phobe') of 'colors' ('chromo-') — that's why chromophobe refers to someone who is afraid of colors.

Visually Confused Words