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cyanogenic

American  
[sahy-uh-noh-jen-ik, sahy-an-uh-] / ˌsaɪ ə noʊˈdʒɛn ɪk, saɪˌæn ə- /
Also cyanogenetic

adjective

Biology, Chemistry.
  1. capable of producing hydrogen cyanide.


Other Word Forms

  • cyanogenesis noun

Etymology

Origin of cyanogenic

cyanogen + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some bamboo species contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide if the shoots are eaten raw or improperly prepared.

From Science Daily

Known to scientists as amygdalin, the toxin is a type of chemical compound called a cyanogenic glucoside.

From Scientific American

The cyanogenic glycosides can be rapidly processed by enzymes within the plant to release lethal hydrogen cyanide.

From The Guardian

Lovage suffered cyanogenic poisoning, according to the lawsuit.

From Seattle Times

The plant turned out to contain cyanogenic glucoside, a precursor to cyanide.

From Nature