thionine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thionine” mean?
A synthetic basic dye, violet in colour, used as a biological stain for microscopic specimens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic basic dye, violet in colour, used as a biological stain for microscopic specimens.
A heterocyclic organic compound belonging to the phenothiazine class, specifically a cation derived from phenothiazine, with uses in histology and as an oxidation-reduction indicator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; standard in scientific English globally.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of specialized contexts like histology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry laboratories.
Grammar
How to Use “thionine” in a Sentence
thionine [verb: e.g., stains, oxidises, is reduced]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thionine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab technician will thionine-stain the tissue section to highlight the nuclei.
- The solution had been thionined overnight.
American English
- We need to thionine-stain these slides before the analysis.
- The sample was thionined according to the standard protocol.
adverb
British English
- The tissue was stained thionine-blue.
- The colour appeared thionine-like.
American English
- The slide was prepared thionine-fast.
- It reacted thionine-quick.
adjective
British English
- The thionine-blue colour was ideal for contrast.
- A thionine-based method was employed.
American English
- The thionine-stained neurons were clearly visible.
- We used a thionine-containing solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in scientific papers on histology, cell biology, and chemistry.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in laboratory manuals, staining protocols, and chemical supply catalogues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thionine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thionine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thionine”
- Mispronunciation: /θaɪˈoʊnaɪn/ (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'thionin', 'thyionine'.
- Using it as a general term for 'purple dye'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered toxic and an irritant. It should be handled with appropriate safety precautions in a laboratory setting.
It is a specialised chemical typically sold by scientific suppliers to laboratories and educational institutions, not for general public use.
Both are basic dyes and redox indicators, but they are chemically distinct compounds with different absorption spectra and specific applications in staining.
It is named after the chemist Charles Lauth who first synthesised it in the 19th century, and 'violet' refers to its characteristic colour.
A synthetic basic dye, violet in colour, used as a biological stain for microscopic specimens.
Thionine is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thionine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθaɪəniːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθaɪəˌniːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Thee-oh-nine' rhymes with 'line', and you use a dye to draw a coloured line under a microscopic cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
A colouring agent (DYE IS A REAGENT).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'thionine' most commonly used?