steel containing chromium that makes it resistant to corrosion
"The stainless steel sink has remained spotless for years, proving its resistance to rust and corrosion in the busy kitchen."
Short for stainless steel.
"The chef polished the new stainless sink until it gleamed under the kitchen lights."
In plain English: A stainless is a person who is not easily upset or bothered by small problems.
"She polished the stainless steel sink until it shone."
(of reputation) free from blemishes
"his unsullied name"
"an untarnished reputation"
Describing an alloy that is resistant to corrosion and discoloration.
"The chef chose stainless steel pots for the kitchen because they would never rust or tarnish despite constant exposure to acidic sauces and high heat."
In plain English: Stainless means something that does not rust or get dirty easily, like high-quality metal used for kitchen sinks.
"The stainless steel sink looked clean and shiny after she washed the dishes."
Usage: Use stainless when describing metal alloys, such as steel or silverware, specifically because they resist rusting and staining from moisture or chemicals. This term highlights the material's durability rather than its color appearance in everyday contexts.
The word stainless is formed by combining the noun stain with the suffix -less to mean free from discoloration or blemish. It entered English as a straightforward compound that has retained its original descriptive meaning throughout history.