How Do You Spell PARAFUCHSIN?

1. Parafuchsin is a noun that refers to a synthetic dye primarily used in biological staining techniques. Also known as Basic Red 2 or Fuchsin, it belongs to the family of rosanilines, which are characterized by a chemical structure containing three aromatic rings connected by two nitrogen atoms.

   Parafuchsin is commonly employed as a histological stain to differentiate various tissue components, especially in the medical and biological fields. It is particularly renowned for its ability to intensely color the nuclei and cytoplasm of cells. Its vibrant red hue under a microscope aids in visualizing cellular structures and identifying specific cell types or abnormalities.

   This dye's function is based on its affinity for acidic cellular components, such as nucleic acids and certain proteins. When applied to a tissue sample, parafuchsin attaches to these acidic components, allowing researchers to distinguish them from surrounding structures. This technique is regularly employed in studies involving histology, pathology, and cytology.

   Additionally, parafuchsin has been utilized as a coloring agent in the textile and cosmetic industries, owing to its vivid color and resistance to fading. However, its widespread usage as a dye has declined due to safety concerns and the availability of alternative synthetic dyes.

   In summary, parafuchsin is a synthetic dye primarily employed in biological staining techniques, particularly in histological studies. It is known for its intense red color, which aids in visualizing cellular structures, and its affinity for acidic cellular components.

2. A basal aniline dye which has been employed in the destruction of spirochetes and trypanosomes.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PARAFUCHSIN

The word "parafuchsin" is a compound term derived from two components: "para" and "fuchsin".

1. "Para" is the prefix derived from the Greek word "para" (παρά), meaning "beside" or "near". In the context of chemistry, it commonly denotes a substitution pattern where two substituents are positioned opposite each other on an aromatic molecule.

2. "Fuchsin" refers to a family of synthetic red dyes. The term is derived from the German word "Fuchs" (meaning "fox"), and the suffix "-in" (used in dye names). Fuchsine was named by the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann in the mid-19th century, as he thought the color resembled the pelt of a fox.