cyanogen

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

/ saɪˈæn ə dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn /

noun

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

cyano group.

Nearby words

cyano-, cyanoacrylate, cyanobacteria, cyanobacterium, cyanocobalamin, cyanogen, cyanogen bromide, cyanogen chloride, cyanogenesis, cyanogenetic, cyanogenic

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

Cyanogen and hydrocyanic acid, recognizable by their odour, indicate decomposable cyanides.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1|Various
For a connected view of the various compounds of cyanogen employed in the arts, see Prussian Blue.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
If cyanogen be given the chance it will take unto itself an atom of hydrogen, producing the deadly hydrocyanic or prussic acid.
Marvels of Scientific Invention|Thomas W. Corbin
Nitrogen, too, though not directly recognized, proves its presence by the lines of cyanogen.
Are the Planets Inhabited?|E. Walter Maunder

The name was suggested by Prussian blue, the earliest known compound of cyanogen.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8|Various

British Dictionary definitions for cyanogen

cyanogen

/ (saɪˈænədʒɪn) /

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