fuchsin

fuchsin (fyOOk'sin) [key]or magenta (mujen'tu) [key], bright red dyestuff consisting of the mixed hydrochlorides or acetates of rosaniline and pararosaniline. It is composed of small crystals possessing a brilliant green sheen; when dissolved they produce a red solution, which dyes animal fibers directly and vegetable fibers after mordanting. The solution is used in the textile and leather industries and as a stain in biology.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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