cyanide
noun
cy·a·nide
ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd 
-nəd
1
: a compound of cyanogen with a more electropositive element or group: such as
b
2
Examples of cyanide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Testing done by a professional hygienist allegedly found heavy metals, lead, cyanide and other contaminants, which would require demolition, removal of dry wall and flooring, and other repairs.
—
Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
His wife died March 18, 2023, of poisoning from cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, according to the coroner.
—Andi Babineau and Ray Sanchez, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
His wife, 43-year-old Angela Craig, died on March 18, 2023, from lethal doses of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a decongestant found in over-the-counter eyedrops.
—Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 16 Dec. 2024
In 1982, seven people, including a 12-year-old girl, died after taking over-the-counter painkillers laced with cyanide.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cyanide
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Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
His wife died March 18, 2023, of poisoning from cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, according to the coroner.
—Andi Babineau and Ray Sanchez, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
His wife, 43-year-old Angela Craig, died on March 18, 2023, from lethal doses of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a decongestant found in over-the-counter eyedrops.
—Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 16 Dec. 2024
In 1982, seven people, including a 12-year-old girl, died after taking over-the-counter painkillers laced with cyanide.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cyanide
Cite this Entry
“Cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanide. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cyanide
noun
cy·a·nide
ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd
-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
: 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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