Stainabilities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The qualities or characteristics of being capable of being marked or discolored
2. The ability of a surface or material to retain marks or blemishes
3. The potential for damage that can lead to the presence of unwanted colors or spots

Etymology: "Stainabilities" is the plural of "stainability," which is formed from "stainable" plus the suffix "-ity." The base, "stainable," comes from "stain" with the suffix "-able," meaning capable of being stained. Adding "-ity" turns that quality into a noun naming the degree or tendency to which something is susceptible to staining. The suffix "-ity" entered English through Old French from Latin "-itas," a noun-forming ending attached to adjectives, so this is a straightforward chain of familiar English parts rather than a word with a dramatic history. The plural form simply counts multiple such qualities or tendencies, as might be needed when comparing several fabrics or materials.

Synonyms: stainability, absorbency, permeability

Antonyms: resistance, repellency, impermeability