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

Lloyd agreed to share Heather’s location if Wes gave back the cyanide pill hidden in a button. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 20 May 2025

Listen to this article Federal regulators recently sued the operators of an East Chicago oil re-refinery plant for violating its wastewater permits by discharging excess pollutants — including cyanide, mercury, oil and grease — from its facility toward the Grand Calumet River. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025

The site states that there is no scientific evidence to support apricot seeds as an alternative cancer treatment; in fact, the cyanide naturally found in such seeds could cause harm. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025

Related article Alleged Thai serial cyanide poisoner now facing at least 13 murder charges Following Sararat’s arrest, a woman came forward to accuse her of poisoning her years earlier. —Jessie Yeung, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024

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

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified

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