Word
methylene blue
Phoneticsmeth·yl·ene·blue
Uncountable noun
Definition
compound. a dark green powder that turns deep blue when you mix it with water. It is used as a dye, a medicine for certain blood problems, and in science labs to stain cells so they are easier to see.
compound. a heterocyclic aromatic chemical compound used as a biological stain, a chemical indicator, and a medication for treating methemoglobinemia. It appears as a dark green crystalline powder at room temperature but produces a deep blue solution in water.
Examples
“The scientist used methylene blue to see the cells under the microscope.”
“Doctors administered methylene blue to the patient to treat a rare condition that prevented their blood from carrying oxygen properly.”
“In microbiology, methylene blue serves as a vital stain, allowing researchers to differentiate between living and dead cells based on their ability to reduce the dye to a colorless form.”
Examples
simple
“The scientist used methylene blue to see the cells under the microscope.”
contextual
“Doctors administered methylene blue to the patient to treat a rare condition that prevented their blood from carrying oxygen properly.”
complex
“In microbiology, methylene blue serves as a vital stain, allowing researchers to differentiate between living and dead cells based on their ability to reduce the dye to a colorless form.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “methylene blue” in context.
Verb
01. administer methylene blue
“Clinicians administer methylene blue slowly to avoid serotonin toxicity.”
verb + noun
02. inject methylene blue
“The surgeon will inject methylene blue to trace the sentinel lymph node.”
verb + noun
03. methylene blue inhibits
“Methylene blue inhibits monoamine oxidase at higher clinical doses.”
noun + verb
Adjective
04. aqueous methylene blue
“Aqueous methylene blue turns deep blue immediately on contact with water.”
adj + noun
05. cationic methylene blue
“Cationic methylene blue binds strongly to negatively charged DNA.”
adj + noun
06. dilute methylene blue
“The technician applied dilute methylene blue to highlight the cell nuclei.”
adj + noun
07. intravenous methylene blue
“Intravenous methylene blue is reserved for severe methemoglobinemia cases.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. dose of methylene blue
“A single dose of methylene blue often reverses cyanosis within an hour.”
noun + prep + noun
09. drop of methylene blue
“Add one drop of methylene blue to the slide and cover it gently.”
noun + prep + noun
10. methylene blue solution
“Filter the methylene blue solution before adding it to the specimen.”
noun + noun
11. a drop of methylene blue
“Place a drop of methylene blue on the smear to improve contrast.”
12. administer intravenous methylene blue
“Doctors administer intravenous methylene blue only in hospital settings.”
Usage
Often used with 'stain' or 'dye' in laboratory contexts.
Etymology
The name is derived from its chemical structure, combining 'methyl' and 'ene' with the color it produces. It was first synthesized in 1876 by the German chemist Heinrich Caro. It was originally developed as a dye for the textile industry before its medical and biological uses were discovered.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
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