SINCE 1828

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cyanogen

noun cy·an·o·gen \ sī-ˈa-nə-jən \

Definition of cyanogen

1 : a monovalent group −CN present in cyanides

2 : a colorless flammable poisonous gas (CN)₂

See cyanogen defined for kids

Recent Examples of cyanogen from the Web

A study published in 2014 in Environmental Science & Technology, for example, found that when uric acid in human urine mixes with chlorine, a toxic compound called cyanogen chloride (CNCI) and trichloramine (NCl3) is formed, TIME reported.

— melinda carstensen, Fox News, "There's probably pee in your swimming pool — what's the health risk?," 2 Mar. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of cyanogen

French cyanogène, from cyan- + gène -gen

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1816

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

cyanogen

noun cy·ano·gen \ sī-ˈan-ə-jən \

medical Definition of cyanogen

1 : a monovalent group −CN present in cyanides

2 : a colorless flammable poisonous gas (CN)₂

Learn More about cyanogen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cyanogen

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