cyanide

[sahy-uh-nahyd, -nid]

noun

1. Chemistry.,  Also cyanid

   1. a salt of hydrocyanic acid, as potassium cyanide, KCN.

   2. a nitrile, as methyl cyanide, C 2 H 3 N.

verb (used with object)

cyanided, cyaniding 

1. to treat with a cyanide, as an ore in order to extract gold.

cyanide

/ ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd, ˈsaɪənɪd /

noun

1. any salt of hydrocyanic acid. Cyanides contain the ion CN ^– and are extremely poisonous

2. another name (not in technical usage) for nitrile

cyanide

1. Any of a large group of chemical compounds containing the radical CN, especially the very poisonous salts sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide. Cyanides are used to make plastics and to extract and treat metals.

Other Word Forms

• subcyanid noun
• subcyanide noun
• cyanidation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyanide¹

1820–30; cyan- ³ + -ide ( def. )

Example Sentences

The label of the bottle instructed users to crush a capsule between the teeth and inhale the toxic cyanide through the mouth.

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The researchers also demonstrated that their laser can effectively detect hydrogen cyanide gas in the air, a substance commonly referred to as "hydrocyanic acid."

Read more on Science Daily

The study, published in PNAS, reveals that methane, ethane, and hydrogen cyanide -- compounds abundant on Titan's surface and in its atmosphere -- can interact in ways once thought impossible.

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The way things are going, that will likely be the only way to keep from one day pouring a cool glass of cyanide from our sinks.

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Testing done by a professional hygienist allegedly found heavy metals, lead, cyanide and other contaminants, which would require demolition, removal of dry wall and flooring, and other repairs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times