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

Of the coyotes, for example, 15,000 nationwide were killed by neck snares, 5,500 with foothold traps and 182 with cyanide capsules. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

People may use the language to challenge current restrictions, opponents say, like a ban on leghold traps and cyanide bombs. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026

However, the human body actually makes tiny amounts of cyanide every day. — Sean McCann, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

Betkouski’s cause of death was deemed to be cyanide ingestion. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cyanide

• hydrogen cyanide
• potassium cyanide
• sodium cyanide

Rhymes for cyanide

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

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