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stain

A stain is a visible mark or area of discoloration on a surface caused by a substance that has been spilled, absorbed, or left on it.

In plain English

It is a mark you can see because the surface's colour has changed in one spot or area. That change happens when a substance is spilled onto the surface, soaks into it, or stays on it and leaves a visible trace.

In context

Here, "stain" identifies that the condition comment is noting a visible discoloured mark on a surface left by a substance.

Situation
Managing move-in, move-out, inventory, keys, deposits, and condition reports
What it communicates
identifies a type of mark noted in condition comments.

Meaning limits

The term alone does not show how large, serious, old, or removable the mark is.

Examples

“A grease stain marked the front of his shirt.”

Core meaning

“The inspection note mentions a stain on the carpet by the door.”

In context