cyanogen

[sahy-an-uh-juh n, -jen]

noun

a colorless, poisonous, flammable, water-soluble gas, C2N2, having an almondlike odor: used chiefly in organic synthesis.

cyano group.

Origin of cyanogen

First recorded in 1820–30; cyano-¹ + -gen

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cyanogen

Historical Examples of cyanogen

Cyanogen was separated, and identified from the lungs and the liver.
Poisons: Their Effects and Detection
Alexander Wynter Blyth
It is very inflammable, burning with a violet flame resembling that of cyanogen, but somewhat whiter in colour.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
That is why in Delaney it had the appearance of cyanogen poisoning.
The Social Gangster
Arthur B. Reeve
But the trace of cyanogen in the air was merely a coincidence, Haynes.
The Social Gangster
Arthur B. Reeve
It is, however, principally used as a source of cyanogen and hydrocyanic acid.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for cyanogen

cyanogen

noun

an extremely poisonous colourless flammable gas with an almond-like odour: has been used in chemical warfare. Formula: (CN) 2

Word Origin for cyanogen

C19: from French cyanogène; see cyano-, -gen; so named because it is one of the constituents of Prussian blue

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012