Prussian blue

noun

Prus·​sian blue ˈprə-shən- How to pronounce Prussian blue (audio)
1
: any of numerous blue iron pigments formerly regarded as ferric ferrocyanide
2
: a dark blue crystalline hydrated ferric ferrocyanide Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3·xH2O used as a test for ferric iron
3
: a greenish blue

Examples of Prussian blue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Colored inks, used sparingly, were analyzed into their parts in a similar fashion, with red based on iron and with blue based on Prussian blue, itself an iron-rich compound. IEEE Spectrum, 29 July 2023 As the legend goes, Prussian blue was created by accident when a batch of carmine was contaminated with blood. John Cumbers, Forbes, 6 May 2023 Potassium iodide pills would likely not be recommended for that kind of radiation exposure, the CDC says, but a treatment based on a drug called Prussian blue could be used. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2022 The Prussian blue is everywhere. Allyson Portee, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 Only after that do figures emerge, pulled out from the river of time and foregrounded in colors of yellow, turquoise, Pepto pink and Prussian blue. Dallas News, 28 Sep. 2022 And that’s just the beginning of the story for Prussian blue. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2022 But the real wow factor comes from two pieces aged to decorative glory: A bright blue credenza boasts a finish that adds depth through its imperfections, and an arresting fireplace surround from Belgium trumpets its age through layers of crusty concrete that reveal bolts of Prussian blue. Krissa Rossbund, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2022 The company uses a material called Prussian blue as the basis for its electrodes, a variation of the early synthetic pigment used in iconic paintings, including Under the Great Wave Off Kanagawa. Gregory Barber, Wired, 8 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Prussian blue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Prussia, Germany

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Prussian blue was in 1724

Dictionary Entries Near Prussian blue

Cite this Entry

“Prussian blue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Prussian%20blue. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

Prussian blue

noun
Prus·​sian blue ˈprəsh-ən-ˈblü How to pronounce Prussian blue (audio)
1
: any of numerous blue iron pigments formerly regarded as the ferric salt of ferrocyanide
2
: a dark blue crystalline hydrated compound Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3·xH2O that is a ferrocyanide of iron and is used as a test for ferric iron

called also ferric ferrocyanide

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