hydrocyanic acid

American  

noun

1. a colorless, highly poisonous liquid, HCN, an aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide.

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hydrocyanic acid British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊsaɪˈænɪk /

noun

1. another name for hydrogen cyanide, esp when in aqueous solution

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hydrocyanic acid Scientific  

/ hī′drō-sī-ăn′ĭk /

1. An aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide, having a characteristic smell of bitter almonds.

2. Also called prussic acid

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Etymology

Origin of hydrocyanic acid

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

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

It said no deaths from mechanical injuries were visible and all symptoms were characteristic of a chemical weapons attack, particularly choking agents and organophosphorus agents or hydrocyanic acid.

From Reuters

West advises dilute hydrocyanic acid, and many writers agree with him, ranking it next to belladonna.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Behr tells us that the foliage, in withering, develops hydrocyanic acid, the odor of which is quite perceptible.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no tetanic phase, being, as I apprehend, a condition almost reverse in objective symptoms to hydrocyanic acid or strychnia.

From Project Gutenberg