cyanogen

[ sahy-an-uh-juhn, -jen ]

noun

1. a colorless, poisonous, flammable, water-soluble gas, C 2 N 2 , having an almondlike odor: used chiefly in organic synthesis.
2. cyano group.

cyanogen

/ saɪˈænədʒɪn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyanogen¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyanogen¹

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

Example Sentences

This is done in an alkaline solution, generally containing cyanogen and ammonia.

From Project Gutenberg

I may therefore distinguish two different stages of the theory—my own older autogony-hypothesis and the later cyanogen-hypothesis.

From Project Gutenberg

For a connected view of the various compounds of cyanogen employed in the arts, see Prussian Blue.

From Project Gutenberg

If cyanogen be given the chance it will take unto itself an atom of hydrogen, producing the deadly hydrocyanic or prussic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Cyanogen, a compound which in combination behaved very similarly to chlorine and iodine, was isolated in 1815 by Gay Lussac.

From Project Gutenberg