water-fast

[ waw-ter-fast, -fahst, wot-er- ]

adjective

1. (of a color or dye) resistant to the effects caused by water; not changed or faded by the action of water.

Word History and Origins

Origin of water-fast¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

For variety in her blues, the enterprising housewife used the sunburned "taglocks" which were too hopelessly yellow for webs of white wool weaving, and gave them a short immersion in the tub, with the result of a beautiful blue-green, tinged through and through with a sunny luster, and this color was sun-fast and water-fast, capable of holding its tint for a century.

From Project Gutenberg

It is quite possible that in the near future domestic weavings may come to the aid of the critical house-furnisher, so that the qualities of strength and pliability may be united with colour which is both water-fast and sun-fast, and that we shall be able to order not only the kind of material, but the exact shade of colour necessary to the perfection of our houses.

From Project Gutenberg

Howbeit we presently came upon the ford sure enough and, having crossed it, my lady must needs fall to admiring at her new shoes again, finding them water-fast.

From Project Gutenberg