cyanide

noun

cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd 

-nəd

1

: a compound of cyanogen with a more electropositive element or group: such as

a

: potassium cyanide

b

: sodium cyanide

2

: cyanogen sense 1

Examples of cyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the past, elephants have died in Zimbabwe from drought, starvation or anthrax during hot and dry seasons, as well as from cyanide poisoning. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Nov. 2023

Read full article In 1982, seven people in the Chicago area died after ingesting Tylenol laced with cyanide, and Lewis was the longtime suspect in their deaths. —John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023

Apricot seeds contain amygdalin which converts to cyanide, so eating them could lead to cyanide poisoning. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 31 July 2023

But hazardous amounts of lead, mercury, cyanide, and cadmium remained in the ground. —David Gelles Erin Schaff, New York Times, 19 July 2023

Be forewarned: The berries can’t be eaten raw, as the plant has lectin and cyanide in it, which can cause intense stomach and lower intestine issues. —Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023

Much tastier than razors and cyanide! Vegan Walking Taco There's plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2023

All 14 of the deceased – as well as one survivor – were poisoned with cyanide, Surachate said. Sararat, who was remanded in custody last week, has denied the accusations, National Police Chief Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas added at the same press conference. —Tara Subramaniam, CNN, 4 May 2023

Prosecutors filed a first-degree murder charge against James Toliver Craig in Arapahoe County District Court, accusing him of having laced Angela Craig's drinks with arsenic and cyanide. —Daniella Silva, NBC News, 23 Mar. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cyanide

• potassium cyanide
• sodium cyanide
• hydrogen cyanide

• potassium cyanide
• sodium cyanide
• hydrogen cyanide

Kids 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