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

Toxic contaminants continue to be found The two urban wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena in January 2025 torched cars and buildings, melted plastics, electronics and household appliances, and spread plumes of heavy metals, cyanide, asbestos and other toxic contaminants. —Jason Henry, Daily News, 31 May 2026

Stella Nickell was convicted of using cyanide to poison her husband, Bruce Nickell, and a stranger. —USA Today, 6 May 2026

Cyanidation is a process used to extract gold from low-grade ore by dissolving it in a dilute cyanide solution. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

Granville’s exploits included skiing over the Carpathian mountains during the war to deliver microfilms with cyanide sewed into her skirts and a hunting knife tucked into her trousers. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 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