stainless
stainless Lexical Profile
stainless Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Resistant to tarnishing, rust, or corrosion, especially when referring to a metal alloy such as steel.
"The restaurant kitchen was outfitted with durable, stainless countertops and appliances."
Free from physical spots, stains, or dirt; completely clean.
"She carefully stored the antique lace tablecloth to keep the fabric stainless."
Free from moral blemish, guilt, or dishonor; impeccable.
"The judge was widely admired throughout her career for her stainless reputation."
• noun
Stainless steel, or flatware and kitchenware made from it.
"The industrial sink was fabricated entirely out of heavy-gauge stainless."
• Rhymes for stainless
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century from the noun "stain" (from Old French desteindre, meaning to take away the color) combined with the privative suffix "-less". Its widespread modern metallurgical sense referring to corrosion-resistant chromium-steel alloys was popularized in the early 1910s.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.