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hematoxylin

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /hɪˈmætəˌzaɪlɪn/

KK: /hɪˈmætəˌzaɪlɪn/

noun
Definition

A chemical compound derived from logwood, used primarily as a dye or stain in biological and histological applications.


Example

The laboratory technician used hematoxylin to stain the tissue samples for examination under the microscope.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of hematoxylin?
Sloth B
Yeah, isn't it used for staining in labs?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how such a compound can help with biological studies.
Sloth B
I know, right? It's amazing how hematoxylin can highlight cell structures.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dye
stain
pigment
Antonyms
bleach
decolorant
discoloration
Root Explanation

Hematoxylin is formed from "haima" (meaning blood) and "xylon" (meaning wood). The word refers to a compound derived from the log of the logwood tree, which is used to stain biological tissues, giving a reddish color reminiscent of blood.

Memory Tip

Think of 'blood' ('haima') and 'wood' ('xylon') to remember that hematoxylin is a dye derived from wood that stains tissues red, similar to blood.

Visually Confused Words
haematoxylin
haematoxylon
haematoxylic
hemotoxin
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