counterstain

[ noun koun-ter-steyn; verb koun-ter-steyn ]

noun

1. a second stain of a different color applied to a microscopic specimen and used to color and contrast those parts not retaining the first stain.

verb (used with object)

1. to treat (a microscopic specimen) with a counterstain.

verb (used without object)

1. to become counterstained; take a counterstain.

counterstain

/ ˈkaʊntəˌsteɪn /

verb

1. to apply two or more stains in sequence to (a specimen to be examined), each of which colours a different tissue
2. tr; usually passive to apply (one of a series of stains) to a specimen to be examined

   haematoxylin is counterstained with eosin

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterstain¹

First recorded in 1890–95; counter- + stain

Example Sentences

Counterstain in eosin, 1 per cent. aqueous solution.

From Project Gutenberg

Counterstain very lightly with aqueous solution of Neutral Red.

From Project Gutenberg

Counterstain with Kuehne's carbolic methylene-blue for one or two minutes.

From Project Gutenberg

Counterstain in methylene blue, aqueous solution thirty seconds.

From Project Gutenberg