hydrocyanic acid
Americannoun
noun
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An aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide, having a characteristic smell of bitter almonds.
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Also called prussic acid
Etymology
Origin of hydrocyanic acid
First recorded in 1810–20
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.
The researchers also demonstrated that their laser can effectively detect hydrogen cyanide gas in the air, a substance commonly referred to as "hydrocyanic acid."
From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2025
Systemic toxics, a small group of gases of which the principal member is hydrocyanic acid, kill by paralyzing the central nervous system.
From Time Magazine Archive
The French started using hydrocyanic acid in 1916 and put over 4,000 tons.
From Time Magazine Archive
They found that hydrocyanic acid, simply standing in water, gives rise to urea and other substances found in living tissues.
From Time Magazine Archive
In the leaves of the cherries more or less hydrocyanic acid is produced, and when these leaves are eaten in any considerable quantity cases of poisoning are likely to arise.
From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
