ˈrōdəˌmēn, -_mə̇n; rōˈdamə̇n noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary rhod- + amine
: any of a group of yellowish red to blue fluorescent xanthene dyes: as
a. or rhodamine B : a brilliant bluish red basic dye made usually by fusing meta -diethyl-aminophenol with phthalic anhydride and used chiefly in coloring paper, lacquers, and stains, in making organic pigments especially for printing inks, and as a biological stain — see dye table I (under Basic Violet 10, Pigment Violet 1, and Solvent Red 49 )
b. or rhodamine 6G : a brilliant yellowish red basic dye made similarly from meta -ethyl-aminophenol and phthalic anhydride and used similarly — see dye table I (under Basic Red 1 and Pigment Red 81 )