Prussian blue
noun
Prus·sian blue
ˈprə-shən- 
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
This year, paint manufacturers anticipate that deeper, more complex blues, such as cerulean and Prussian blue, will trend.
—
Cyndy Aldred, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
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
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Cyndy Aldred, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Prussian blue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Prussian%20blue. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Prussian blue
noun
Prus·sian blue
ˈprəsh-ən-ˈblü
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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