cyanide

noun

cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd How to pronounce cyanide (audio)
-nəd
1
: a compound of cyanogen with a more electropositive element or group: such as
2

Examples of cyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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However, after the poisoning was taking longer and kept putting Angela in the hospital, James allegedly visited her to poison her with cyanide. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 Some moderate symptoms of cyanide poisoning include difficulty breathing, weakness, and lightheadedness. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025 Then, on November 18, 1978, more than 900 members of the cult, the cult’s leader, members of the media, and a United States Congressman died, most from cyanide poisoning and some from gunshot wounds (self-inflicted and otherwise). Sarah Rex, JSTOR Daily, 20 Aug. 2025 James Craig, 47, allegedly used a combination of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline — an ingredient found in over-the-counter eye drops — to kill his wife of 23 years, Angela Craig, more than two years ago in Aurora. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cyanide

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyanide was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanide. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

cyanide

noun
cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd How to pronounce cyanide (audio)
-nəd
: a very poisonous compound consisting of carbon and nitrogen with either sodium or potassium

Medical Definition

cyanide

noun
cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd, -nəd How to pronounce cyanide (audio)
: any of several compounds (as potassium cyanide) that contain the radical CN having a chemical valence of one, react with and inactivate respiratory enzymes, and are rapidly lethal producing drowsiness, tachycardia, coma, and finally death

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