counterstain

[koun-ter-steyn, 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.

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Counterstain very lightly with aqueous solution of Neutral Red.

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

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Counterstain in methylene blue, aqueous solution thirty seconds.

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