The Clue
Reasons to presoak (6 letter answer)
The Answer
STAINS
Tags
Notes
The answer STAINS is seen occasionally, appearing about once every 700 puzzles.
Related Clues
Blots
Discolorations
Discolors
Dishonors
Dyes
Spots
Sullies
Tarnishes
Adds color to
All targets
Bad marks
Deck treatments
Laundry woes
Painter's mishaps
Walnut and others
Dry cleaning targets
Dyes for microscopic study
Some are made with chocolate
Definition
STAIN as a noun:
1. (stain, discoloration, discolouration) = a soiled or discolored appearance; "the wine left a dark stain"
2. (microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible
3. (dirt, filth, grime, soil, stain, grease, grunge) = the state of being covered with unclean things
4. (mark, stigma, brand, stain) = a symbol of disgrace or infamy; "And the Lord set a mark upon Cain"--Genesis
5. (blot, smear, smirch, spot, stain) = an act that brings discredit to the person who does it; "he made a huge blot on his copybook"
STAIN as a verb:
1. color with a liquid dye or tint; "Stain this table a beautiful walnut color"; "people knew how to stain glass a beautiful blue in the middle ages"
2. produce or leave stains; "Red wine stains the table cloth"
3. (tarnish, stain, maculate, sully, defile) = make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically; "The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"; "Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man"
4. color for microscopic study; "The laboratory worker dyed the specimen"