n. & v.
--n.
1. a a substance used to change the colour of hair, fabric, wood, etc. b a colour produced by this.
2 (in full dyestuff) a substance yielding a dye, esp. for colouring materials in solution.
--v.tr. (dyeing)
1. impregnate with dye.
2 make (a thing) a specified colour with dye (dyed it yellow).
Phrases and idioms:
dyed in the wool (or grain)
1. out and out; unchangeable, inveterate.
2 (of a fabric) made of yarn dyed in its raw state. dye-line a print made by the diazo process.
Derivatives:
dyeable adj.
Etymology: OE deag, deagian