cyano-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “blue, dark blue,” used in the formation of compound words.

   cyanotype.

cyano-

²

1. a combining form representing cyanide in the formation of compound words.

   cyanogen.

cyano-

³

1. a combining form used in the names of chemical compounds in which the cyano group is present.

   cyanohydrin.

cyano

⁴

[sahy-uh-noh, sahy-an-oh]

adjective

Chemistry.

1. containing the cyano group.

cyano-

combining form

1. blue or dark blue

   cyanotype

2. indicating cyanogen

   cyanohydrin

3. indicating cyanide

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyano-¹

< Greek kýano ( s ) dark blue (adj.), dark-blue substance (noun)

Origin of cyano-²

Combining form representing cyanogen

Origin of cyano-³

First recorded in 1960–65; independent use of cyano- ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyano-¹

from Greek kuanos (adj) dark blue, (n) dark blue enamel, lapis lazuli

Example Sentences

"There are two classes of organism in water - the cyano bacteria, which is commonly known as blue/ green algae, and actino mycetes, which are responsible for the damp or earth smell."

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He was engaged brilliantly in the battles of the Constitution with the Guerriere, and with the Cyano and the Levant.

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