methylene blue

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a dark-green, crystalline compound, C 1 6 H 1 8 ClN 3 S, that dissolves in water to form a deep-blue solution: used chiefly as a dye, as a bacteriological and biological stain, and as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.

methylene blue

noun

1. Also called: methylthionine chloride. a dark-green crystalline compound forming a blue aqueous solution, used as a mild antiseptic and biological stain. Formula: C 16 H 18 N 3 SCl.3H 2 O

methylene blue

1. A basic dye that forms a deep blue solution when dissolved in water. It is used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning and as a bacteriological stain. Chemical formula: C ₁₆ H ₁₈ N ₃ SCl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of methylene blue¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

To gauge the fat content of the cream brought by farmers, the dairy would insert methylene blue in a sample and waited for its lactic acid to dissolve the color.

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The woman was treated with an antidote methylene blue, and within minutes reported feeling better.

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The dye in question is methylene blue, and it creates an intense sapphire color.

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Dutch, American and Malian scientists working in Ouélessébougou, Mali, found that adding methylene blue to a typical treatment regimen cleared gametocytes from the bloodstream within two days.

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They also said Effexor’s label did warn of potential interaction with methylene blue, but the hospital where Pope had surgery failed to catch it.

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