<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>A trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful.</li><li>A trace of infection, contamination, or the like.</li><li>A trace of dishonor or discredit.</li><li>Color; tint.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>To modify by or as if by a trace of something offensive or deleterious.</li><li>To infect, contaminate, corrupt, or spoil.</li><li>To sully or tarnish (a person's name, reputation, etc.).</li><li>To color or tint.</li><li>To become tainted; spoil.</li></ul>