cyanide

noun

cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd How to pronounce cyanide (audio)
-nəd
1
: a compound of cyanogen with a more electropositive element or group: such as
2

Examples of cyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 1986, Congress passed amendments to the law that directed the agency to regulate more than 80 additional contaminants, including bacteria, viruses and chemicals such as cyanide and PCBs, within five years; the EPA would have to add another 25 contaminants every three years after that. Agnel Philip, ProPublica, 6 Nov. 2023 The devices look like lawn sprinklers but spray cyanide when triggered by animals attracted by bait. Keith Ridler, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 The animal triggers the device by biting and pulling the bait, which releases the cyanide capsule into their mouth. Lily Larsen, Washington Examiner, 29 Nov. 2023 McLemore died by suicide after drinking cyanide in 2015 while the show was still in production. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2023 Sodium cyanide, the main ingredient in an M-44 cyanide device, is registered as a Category 1 toxicant, the highest level, by the Environmental Protection Agency. Lily Larsen, Washington Examiner, 29 Nov. 2023 In the past, elephants have died in Zimbabwe from drought, starvation or anthrax during hot and dry seasons, as well as from cyanide poisoning. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Nov. 2023 Read full article In 1982, seven people in the Chicago area died after ingesting Tylenol laced with cyanide, and Lewis was the longtime suspect in their deaths. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 10 July 2023 Apricot seeds contain amygdalin which converts to cyanide, so eating them could lead to cyanide poisoning. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 31 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cyanide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyanide was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near cyanide

Cite this Entry

“Cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanide. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cyanide

noun
cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd How to pronounce cyanide (audio)
-nəd
: a very poisonous compound consisting of carbon and nitrogen with either sodium or potassium

Medical Definition

cyanide

noun
cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd, -nəd How to pronounce cyanide (audio)
: any of several compounds (as potassium cyanide) that contain the radical CN having a chemical valence of one, react with and inactivate respiratory enzymes, and are rapidly lethal producing drowsiness, tachycardia, coma, and finally death

More from Merriam-Webster on cyanide

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