hematoxylin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “hematoxylin” mean?
A natural dye extracted from logwood, used primarily as a nuclear stain in histology and pathology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A natural dye extracted from logwood, used primarily as a nuclear stain in histology and pathology.
A benzoid compound forming the basis of numerous histological stains, notably in combination with eosin (H&E) to differentiate cellular components under a microscope.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application. Spelling varies: British 'haematoxylin', American 'hematoxylin'.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific function.
Frequency
Equally common in biomedical literature of both regions, matching the frequency of 'haemoglobin' vs 'hemoglobin' spelling conventions.
Grammar
How to Use “hematoxylin” in a Sentence
[Substance] is stained *with* hematoxylinHematoxylin *is used to* stain nucleiHematoxylin *in combination with* eosinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hematoxylin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The haematoxylin-stained nuclei appeared deep blue.
- A standard haematoxylin-eosin protocol was followed.
American English
- The hematoxylin-stained nuclei appeared deep blue.
- A standard hematoxylin-eosin protocol was followed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Ubiquitous in biomedical research papers, histology textbooks, and pathology reports.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in histotechnology, pathology, cell biology, and diagnostic laboratories.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hematoxylin”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hematoxylin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hematoxylin”
- Misspelling as 'hematoxilyn', 'hemotoxilin', or 'haemotoxilin'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to hematoxylin the tissue').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It is almost always used in a formulated stain (e.g., Harris's, Mayer's) and typically followed by a counterstain like eosin.
No, they are the same substance. 'Haematoxylin' is the British English spelling, while 'hematoxylin' is the American English spelling.
Hematoxylin stains basophilic structures, particularly cell nuclei, a purplish-blue colour.
It is a natural product extracted from the heartwood of the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum).
A natural dye extracted from logwood, used primarily as a nuclear stain in histology and pathology.
Hematoxylin is usually technical / scientific in register.
Hematoxylin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhiːməˈtɒksɪlɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɛməˈtɑːksəlɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HEMA' (like haemoglobin, relating to blood/biology) + 'TOX' (from the logwood *Haematoxylon*) + 'YLIN' (a common chemical suffix).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'hematoxylin' primarily used?