cyanide

noun

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cy·a·nide | \ ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd

, -nəd \

Definition of cyanide

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 Through the dark Web, Fenech tried to buy cyanide and a pistol with a silencer, but neither transaction went through. — Ben Taub, The New Yorker, "Murder in Malta," 14 Dec. 2020 Aside from the occasional character being poisoned by cyanide, this is a very relaxing show. — Emma Allen, The New Yorker, "A Sampling of the Best Shouts of 2020," 17 Dec. 2020 Aside from the occasional character being poisoned by cyanide, this is a very relaxing show. — Emma Allen, The New Yorker, "A Sampling of the Best Shouts of 2020," 17 Dec. 2020 Apple seeds and stems, and pits from peaches, cherries, apricots and plums contain cyanide, which deprives a pet’s brain and heart of oxygen causing shock and death. — Iris Katz, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Pet Wise: Keeping pets and guests safe during unusual holiday season," 19 Dec. 2020 Aside from the occasional character being poisoned by cyanide, this is a very relaxing show. — Emma Allen, The New Yorker, "A Sampling of the Best Shouts of 2020," 17 Dec. 2020 But when cyanide enters the mix, things go downhill—fast. — Meg Neal, Popular Mechanics, "Nature's Toxic Gifts: The Deadly Story of Poison," 4 Oct. 2020 Aside from the occasional character being poisoned by cyanide, this is a very relaxing show. — Jiji Lee, The New Yorker, "British Mystery Shows That I Would Watch," 6 Nov. 2020 Unfortunately, the leaves, fruit and plant are all poisonous from cyanide in them. — oregonlive, "Shade, not needles, limit types of plants that will grow under pines: Ask an expert," 5 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cyanide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

7 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanide. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for cyanide

cyanide

noun

English Language Learners Definition of cyanide

: a very poisonous chemical

See the full definition for cyanide in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cyanide

noun

cy·a·nide | \ ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd

Kids Definition of cyanide

: any of several compounds containing carbon and nitrogen and including two very poisonous substances

cyanide

noun

cy·a·nide | \ ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd, -nəd

Medical Definition of cyanide

: 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