prussic acid

noun

prus·​sic acid ˈprə-sik- How to pronounce prussic acid (audio)

Examples of prussic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Broken-down cherry pits expose your body to prussic acid more easily. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023 The high levels of prussic acid in the sorghum grass had an intoxicating effect on the cattle, blocking their cellular respiration and effectively suffocating them, Giantin told USA TODAY in an email. Isabella Fertel, USA TODAY, 16 June 2023 In 1782, another chemist, mixing Prussian blue with sulphuric acid, produced the poison hydrogen cyanide, also called prussic acid, which, in the formulation known as Zyklon B, was eventually to leave its residue on the bricks of Auschwitz, coating them with that same brilliant shade of blue. Ruth Frankli, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2021 In 1892, prussic acid, a lethal poison, was only available with a doctor's prescription. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 31 July 2021 Cara Robertson: Someone who was identified as Lizzie Borden tried to buy prussic acid the day before the murders. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 31 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prussic acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French prussique, from (bleu de) Prusse Prussian blue

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prussic acid was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near prussic acid

Cite this Entry

“Prussic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prussic%20acid. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

prussic acid

noun
prus·​sic acid ˌprəs-ik- How to pronounce prussic acid (audio)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!