ferrocyanide

noun

fer·​ro·​cy·​a·​nide ˌfer-ō-ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd 

1

: the tetravalent anion Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻

2

: a compound containing the ferrocyanide anion

especially : the salt K₄Fe(CN)₆ used in making blue pigments (such as Prussian blue)

Examples of ferrocyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reservoirs of such ferrocyanide salts could have undoubtedly formed on the early Earth (through iron from Earth’s crust linking up with cyanide from Earth’s atmosphere, and ferrocyanide salts precipitating out above a certain concentration). —Mario Livio, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2024

Bluing Liquid Bluing liquid (which contains Prussian blue, or ferric ferrocyanide, and water combined) helps keep whites sparkling white. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023

Bluing liquid (which contains Prussian blue, or ferric ferrocyanide, and water combined) helps keep whites sparkling white. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023

The ensuing reaction created a distinctive blue-hued iron ferrocyanide and eventually came to be called Prussian blue (or Berlin blue). —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 June 2022

So then, in certain kinds of lakes, ferrocyanide can accumulate over time. —Quanta Magazine, 1 June 2022

Riepenhoff got the idea three years ago while studying cyanotypes, an old photo technique that involves placing objects on paper coated with iron and potassium ferrocyanide. —Laura Mallonee, WIRED, 30 Aug. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

ferrocyanide

noun

fer·​ro·​cy·​a·​nide ˌfer-ō-ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd 

1

: the tetravalent anion Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻

2

: a compound containing the ferrocyanide anion

especially : the salt K₄Fe(CN)₆ used in making blue pigments (as Prussian blue)