hydrogen cyanide

noun

1
: a poisonous usually gaseous compound HCN that has the odor of bitter almonds
2

Examples of hydrogen cyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rules of chemistry on Saturn's largest moon, Titan, may have to be rewritten thanks to a new discovery that shows how frozen crystals of hydrogen cyanide can mix with liquid hydrocarbons, in a combination that had not been thought possible until now. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025 The scientists on Wednesday also acknowledged an apparent misdiagnosis that surfaced from their sampling in the media last fall — an announcement, which was ultimately rescinded, that hydrogen cyanide gas was also contaminating the local air. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 28 Aug. 2025 The bitter varieties of raw cassava contain higher amounts of cyanogenic glycosides (when ingested, these compounds release hydrogen cyanide into the body). Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 June 2025 Those substances include hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide and benzene — all chemicals that can make people sick with asthma and other respiratory diseases as well as cancer. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hydrogen cyanide

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrogen cyanide was in 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Hydrogen cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20cyanide. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

hydrogen cyanide

noun
1
: a poisonous usually gaseous compound HCN that has the odor of bitter almonds
2

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrogen cyanide

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