Definition of: dye

(dī) v. dyed, dye·ing v.t.
1. To fix a color by soaking in liquid coloring matter.
2. To stain; tinge.
—v.i.
3. To take or give color: This cloth dyes badly. See synonyms under STAIN.
—noun A fluid or coloring matter used for dyeing; also, the color or hue so produced. According to the method of application, dyes are classified as substantive, or direct, when they color by simple immersion; adjective, or mordant, when a fixing agent is used; ingrain, or ice, when deposited by chemical reaction; vat, when applied in an alkalisoluble state and oxidized; and sulfur, when used in a sodium sulfide bath followed by oxidation. ◆ Homophone: die. [OE dēagian <deag dye, color]