/saf"reuh neen', -nin/ , n. Chem.
1. any of a class of chiefly red organic dyes, phenazine derivatives, used for dyeing wool, silk, etc.
2. Also called phenosafranine . a purplish-red, water-soluble dye, C 18 H 14 N 4 , used for textiles and as a stain in microscopy.
Also, safranin /saf"reuh nin/ .
[ 1865-70; safran SAFFRON + -ine -INE 2 ]