'dye-attractive' is a compound word formed from 'dye' and 'attractive', where 'dye' refers to a substance used to add color and 'attractive' means appealing or pleasing.

The term 'dye-attractive' combines the Middle English 'deie' (dye) and the Latin 'attractivus' (attractive), evolving into a modern English compound adjective.

Initially, it referred to the appeal of dyes in general, but now it specifically describes materials that enhance dye uptake.