Lexic.us

Definition of Gram's stain

1. Noun. A staining technique used to classify bacteria; bacteria are stained with gentian violet and then treated with Gram's solution; after being decolorized with alcohol and treated with safranine and washed in water, those that retain the gentian violet are Gram-positive and those that do not retain it are Gram-negative.

Medical Definition of Gram's stain

1. A method for differential staining of bacteria; smears are fixed by flaming, stained in a solution of crystal violet, treated with iodine solution, rinsed, decolorised, and then counterstained with safranin O. Gram-positive organisms stain purple black and Gram-negative organisms stain pink; useful in bacterial taxonomy and identification, and also in indicating fundamental differences in cell wall structure. (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Gram's Stain

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