fuchsin

A nonspecific term referring to any of several red rosanilin dyes used as stains in histology and bacteriology. [Leonhard Fuchs, German botantist, 1501–1506]

- acid f. [C.I. 42685] a mixture of the sodium salts bi- and trisulfonic acids of rosanilin and pararosanilin; used as an indicator dye and for staining of cytoplasm and collagen. SYN: rubin S, rubine.

- aldehyde f. a stain developed by Gomori, utilizing basic f. paraldehyde and hydrochloric acid; it produces violet staining of elastic fibers, mast cell granules, gastric chief cells, beta cells of the pancreatic islets, and certain hypophyseal beta granules; other pituitary granules and cells stain in other colors. SEE ALSO: Gomori aldehyde f. stain.

- aniline f. a mixture of aniline and basic f. in 30% ethanol with a trace of phenol, as in Goodpasture stain.

- basic f. [C.I. 42500] a triphenylmethane dye whose dominant component is pararosanilin; an important stain in histology, histochemistry, and bacteriology. SYN: diamond f..

- carbol f. carbol-f. paint, Ziehl stain.

- diamond f. SYN: basic f..

* * *

fuch·sin or fuch·sine 'fyük-sən, -.sēn n a dye that is produced by oxidation of a mixture of aniline and toluidines, that yields a brilliant bluish red, and that is used in carbolfuchsin paint, in Schiff's reagent, and as a biological stain

Fuchs 'fu̇ks Leonhard (1501-1566)

German botanist and physician. In 1542 Fuchs published De Historia Stirpium, a manual of herbal plants that stands as a landmark in botany. The work is historically important for its orderly presentation, accurate drawings and precise plant descriptions, and its glossary of botanical terms. Fuchs was especially interested in the medicinal properties of plants, and his book listed the reputed powers of each. The genus Fuchsia was named in his honor by Linnaeus in 1753. Fuchsia also denotes the vivid reddish purple color of the flowers of many plants belonging to the genus.

* * *

n.

any one of a group of reddish to purplish dyes used in staining bacteria for microscopic observation and capable of killing various disease-causing microorganisms. Acid fuchsin (acid magenta) is a mixture of sulphonated fuchsins; basic fuchsin (basic magenta) and new (trimethyl) fuchsin are basic histological dyes (basic fuchsin is also an antifungal agent).

* * *

fuch·sin (fūkґsin) [from the pink, red, or purple flower fuchsia, after Leonard Fuchs, German botanist, 1501–1566] any of several red to purple triphenylmethane dyes, sometimes specifically basic fuchsin.