dyes
n. C / Un. substances used to change the color of things like hair, clothes, or food. You usually mix them with water to make the color stay permanently.
n. natural or synthetic substances used to add a color to or change the color of something by being absorbed into the material. Often distinguished from pigments by their solubility in the medium of application.
She uses natural dyes to color her wool.
The textile factory uses synthetic dyes that are resistant to fading even after multiple washes.
Ancient civilizations often extracted vibrant dyes from crushed insects, rare minerals, or specific plant roots to signify social status through their garments.
Countable when referring to different types or varieties of coloring agents; uncountable when referring to the substance in general.