acid-fast

[ as-id-fast, -fahst ]
/ ˈæs ɪdˌfæst, -ˌfɑst /

adjective

resistant to decolorizing by acidified alcohol after staining.

Origin of acid-fast

First recorded in 1900–05

OTHER WORDS FROM acid-fast

ac·id-fast·ness, noun

Example sentences from the Web for acid-fast

British Dictionary definitions for acid-fast

acid-fast

adjective

(of bacteria and tissues) resistant to decolorization by mineral acids after staining

Medical definitions for acid-fast

acid-fast

adj.

Of or relating to bacteria that are not decolorized by an acidic alcohol solution after they have been stained.

Other words from acid-fast

acid-fast′ness n.