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 methylene blue, aqueous solution thirty seconds.

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