stainless

[ steyn-lis ]

adjective

1. having no stain; spotless.
2. made of stainless steel.
3. resistant to staining, rusting, the corrosive effect of chemicals, etc.

noun

1. flatware made of stainless steel.
2. stainless steel.

stainless

/ ˈsteɪnlɪs /

adjective

1. resistant to discoloration, esp discoloration resulting from corrosion; rust-resistant

   stainless steel

2. having no blemish

   a stainless reputation

noun

1. stainless steel

Derived Forms

• ˈstainlessly, adverb

Other Words From

• stainless·ly adverb
• stainless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stainless¹

First recorded in 1580–90; stain + -less

Example Sentences

Its steel frame and stainless steel hardware ensure it has what it takes to be there for you and your guests time and time again.

From Popular-Science

For persimmons without a stem, Sakai recommends inserting a sterilized stainless-steel screw into the top of the fruit and tying the string to that.

From Eater

Juro’s 20-ounce stainless steel tumbler will keep liquid hot for up to six hours and cold for about 24, so you can sip methodically throughout the day without diminishing returns.

From Popular-Science

A reliable screw top and superlight stainless-steel construction make it ideal for getting jostled around in a pack.

From Outside Online

The rose gold finish is easy on the eyes and the stainless steel material guarantees durability and longevity.

From Popular-Science

Then, from a pocket inside his camouflage top, he pulled a hidden stainless steel flask.

From The Daily Beast

These sculptures are in his typical style—figures molded out of colorful stainless steel with striking luminosity.

From The Daily Beast

Manufacturers, says the Wall Street Journal, are on a full-fledged hunt for the next stainless steel.

From The Daily Beast

Are we finally nearing the end of stainless steel's kitchen dominance?

From The Daily Beast

"We really wanted stainless," says the crestfallen pair, and trudge back out the door.

From The Daily Beast

The stainless image fearing to disturb,So faithfully reflected in my breast;As winds disturb the mirror of the lake.

From Project Gutenberg

He, a Deacon of the Baptist Church, and a man of stainless repute at home, to have his head shaved and drummed out of camp.

From Project Gutenberg

Swanson reluctantly followed him through the tangled aisles of stainless steel columns and tanks.

From Project Gutenberg

Her life, passed in two of the most dissolute Courts in Europe, was from first to last stainless.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a little stainless-steel aerosol canister that looked for all the world like a pepper-spray self-defense unit.

From Project Gutenberg