1. a red synthetic dye used in biological staining and textile dyeing
Usage: chemistry; biology

Examples

• The laboratory technician applied safranine to stain the bacterial cells.
• Safranine is commonly used in Gram staining procedures.
• The textile factory ordered several pounds of safranine for dyeing fabric.
• Under the microscope, the safranine-stained specimens appeared bright red.
• The biology student learned to use safranine as a counterstain in the lab.