dye: Meaning and Definition of

dye

Pronunciation: (dī), [key]
— n., v., dyed, dye•ing.
—n.
  1. a coloring material or matter.
  2. a liquid containing coloring matter, for imparting a particular hue to cloth, paper, etc.
  3. color or hue, esp. as produced by dyeing.
  4. of the most extreme or the worst sort: a prevaricator of the blackest dye.
—v.t.
  1. to color or stain; treat with a dye; color (cloth, hair, etc.) with a substance containing coloring matter: to dye a dress green.
  2. to impart (color) by means of a dye: The coloring matter dyed green.
—v.i.
  1. to impart color, as a dye: This brand dyes well.
  2. to become colored or absorb color when treated with a dye: This cloth dyes easily.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • dye (Thesaurus)