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

Later, Noone would tell the authorities that Scott had been fascinated by the famed British mathematician Alan Turing, who died by cyanide poisoning, in what was ruled a suicide, after being prosecuted for his homosexuality. —Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025

The skin of the cassava root naturally contains a toxic compound called linamarin that converts to cyanide in the body and can lead to cyanide poisoning. —Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025

In that timespan, prosecutors say Craig researched poisons and then bought arsenic, cyanide and other deadly substances and used them to kill his wife, Angela Craig. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2025

To mine the site, Perpetua would operate across three open pits and use cyanide for processing next to the East Fork South Fork Salmon River. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 12 Sep. 2025

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