taint

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

v. to mark computer data as unsafe so the system checks it for security risks.

v. to mark a variable or data input as untrusted or unsafe, requiring subsequent security validation before processing.

“The program will taint any data that comes directly from a user's input.”

“By using a taint-analysis tool, the developers identified several entry points where unvalidated strings could lead to a buffer overflow.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. a small amount of something bad that ruins the quality of something or someone's reputation.

n. a mark of disgrace or a trace of a bad quality that spoils the reputation of a person or the integrity of an object.

“The scandal left a permanent taint on the politician's long career.”

“Despite his acquittal, the taint of suspicion lingered in the minds of the public for years to come.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine American English · Slang · Vulgar

n. a slang word for the area of the body between the genitals and the anus.

n. a vulgar slang term for the perineum.

“He made a crude joke about his taint after the long bike ride.”

“The comedian's routine relied heavily on vulgar anatomical references, including several mentions of the taint.”