Which histologic term refers to alterations that give a distinctive appearance when stained?

The term "hyaline" refers specifically to a glassy or transparent appearance that certain histological structures may exhibit when stained. This distinctive appearance is due to the alteration of collagen fibers or other proteins within tissues, which can be visualized under a microscope after histological staining. Stains used in histology make features more visible, enhancing the contrast and allowing for the identification of specific cellular characteristics. For instance, hyaline changes are often seen in areas where there is tissue injury or abnormal deposition, making it an important term in pathology.

The other terms listed do not relate to histologic appearances. Acidosis refers to a condition in which there is an excess of acid in the body, hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects blood clotting, and acromion is an anatomical term referring to a bony process on the scapula. These options do not deal with the characteristic changes in tissue staining that the term "hyaline" does.