potassium cyanide

noun

: a very poisonous crystalline salt KCN used especially in gold and silver extraction from ore

Examples of potassium cyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The victims ingested Extra Strength Tylenol capsules that was later learned to be laced with potassium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen and causes rapid death. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 12 Aug. 2023 Lab results revealed that many of the pills had been swapped out with potassium cyanide tablets. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2022 On March 15, when Angela Craig was hospitalized for the final time, one of James Craig's business partners told a nurse about the potassium cyanide delivery and how there was no need for it at their dental practice, prompting the nurse to contact police, according to the affidavit. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 12 July 2023 The office manager contacted another colleague with information about the potassium cyanide package after Angela went to the hospital a third time with the same symptoms, according to the warrant. Daniella Silva, NBC News, 23 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for potassium cyanide 

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium cyanide was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near potassium cyanide

Cite this Entry

“Potassium cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20cyanide. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

potassium cyanide

noun
: a very poisonous salt used especially to obtain gold and silver from ore

Medical Definition

potassium cyanide

noun
: a very poisonous crystalline salt KCN

More from Merriam-Webster on potassium cyanide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!