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

Angela died by poisoning from cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a substance that's found in over-the-counter eye drops. —Liam Quinn, People.com, 18 July 2025

Fitch decides to terminate the experiment, which means killing Sil by filling her containment cell with cyanide gas. —ArsTechnica, 13 July 2025

In other instances, the couple worked together to use cyanide, thallium and abrin in multiple attempts to poison the victims, once even putting a powdery substance in the ventilation system of a victim's vehicle, authorities said in the court documents. —Kailani Koenig, NBC news, 21 June 2025

James Craig, 47, allegedly used a combination of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline — an ingredient found in over-the-counter eye drops — to kill his wife of 23 years, Angela Craig, more than two years ago in Aurora. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 30 July 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