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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

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

Rhymes for Prussian blue

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Browse Nearby Words

Prussia
Prussian blue
Prussian brown
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Cite this Entry

“Prussian blue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Prussian%20blue. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on Prussian blue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Prussian blue

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