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destain

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪˈsteɪn/

KK: /dɪˈsteɪn/

transitive verb
Definition

To remove a stain from something, especially to prepare it for examination under a microscope.


Example

The scientist needed to destain the slides before viewing them under the microscope.


Tense Forms

Past: destained

Past Participle: destained


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried to destain a slide for your biology class?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but I've heard it's really important for viewing cells clearly.
Sloth A
Yeah, it helps a lot when you want to see the details under the microscope.
Sloth B
I should definitely give it a try before our next lab session!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cleanse
purify
sanitize
Antonyms
stain
soil
taint
Root Explanation

Destain → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "stain" (from Old French *teindre*, meaning to dye or color). The word "destain" means to remove a stain or color, effectively taking it away.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') a 'stain' — that's why destain means to remove a stain.

Visually Confused Words
detain
restain
edestin
edestan
distain
detrain
bestain
stain
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