1. The act of applying a stain. SEE ALSO: stain. 2. In dentistry, modification of the color of the tooth or denture base.
- progressive s. a procedure in which s. is continued until the desired intensity of coloring of tissue elements is attained.
- regressive s. a type of s. in which tissues are overstained and the excess dye is then removed selectively until the desired intensity is obtained.
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stain·ing (stānґing) 1. the artificial coloration of a substance, such as the introduction or application of material to facilitate examination of tissues, microorganisms, or other cells under the microscope. For various staining methods, see Stains and Staining Methods, under stain. 2. modification of the color of the teeth or denture base to achieve a more lifelike appearance.Medical dictionary. 2011.