'stainless' originates from the English word 'stain' combined with the suffix '-less', where 'stain' meant 'to discolor' and '-less' meant 'without'.

'stain' changed from the Old French word 'estainier' and eventually became the modern English word 'stain'.

Initially, it meant 'without stain or blemish', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.