safranine

Also saf·ra·nin

[saf-ruh-neen, -nin]

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of a class of chiefly red organic dyes, phenazine derivatives, used for dyeing wool, silk, etc.

2. Also called phenosafranine. a purplish-red, water-soluble dye, C 1 8 H 1 4 N 4 , used for textiles and as a stain in microscopy.

safranine

/ ˈsæfrənɪn, -ˌniːn /

noun

1. any of a class of azine dyes, used for textiles and biological stains

Word History and Origins

Origin of safranine¹

1865–70; < French or German safran saffron + -ine -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of safranine¹

C19: from French safran _saffron + _-ine ²

Example Sentences

The most useful are hæmatoxylin, carmine, and various aniline colors, among which may be mentioned, besides gentian violet, safranine, Bismarck brown, methyl violet.

From Project Gutenberg