cyanide

noun

cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd 

-nəd

1

: a compound of cyanogen with a more electropositive element or group: such as

a

: potassium cyanide

b

: sodium cyanide

2

: cyanogen sense 1

Examples of cyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Suncor refinery in Commerce City spilled an excessive amount of cyanide into Sand Creek last month, prompting an investigation from the state's public health department. —Axios Denver, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025

Sodium cyanide, according to the US’ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, releases a highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. —Christian Edwards, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025

Estimates are in the hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the company, including about $206 million to close down a chemical facility that uses cyanide as part of the mining process. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Feb. 2025

However, each berry contains cyanide, which is deadly in large quantities. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cyanide

• hydrogen cyanide
• potassium cyanide
• sodium cyanide

Rhymes for cyanide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified

Kids Definition

cyanide

noun

cy·​a·​nide ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd 

-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 

: 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