prussic acid

noun

prus·​sic acid ˈprə-sik- 

: hydrocyanic acid

Examples of prussic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During that time period, an employee at a nearby drugstore also came forward to claim that Lizzie had recently visited the shop and inquired about purchasing prussic acid, an incredibly dangerous and deadly substance. — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

This included a witness who claimed that Lizzie Borden had tried to buy prussic acid, a fast-acting poison containing hydrogen cyanide, the day before the murders. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Broken-down cherry pits expose your body to prussic acid more easily. — Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023

In 1892, prussic acid, a lethal poison, was only available with a doctor's prescription. — Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 31 July 2021

Word History

Etymology

French prussique, from (bleu de) Prusse Prussian blue

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prussic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

prussic acid

noun

prus·​sic acid ˌprəs-ik- 

: hydrocyanic acid