cyanide
noun
cy·a·nide
ˈsī-ə-ˌnīd 
-nəd
1
: a compound of cyanogen with a more electropositive element or group: such as
b
2
Examples of cyanide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
This is an extremely strong toxin, over 1,000 times stronger than even cyanide, for which there is no antidote.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
Investigators initially believed her death was a result of poisoning by arsenic and cyanide, according to the arrest warrant.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cyanide
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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
This is an extremely strong toxin, over 1,000 times stronger than even cyanide, for which there is no antidote.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
Investigators initially believed her death was a result of poisoning by arsenic and cyanide, according to the arrest warrant.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cyanide
Cite this Entry
“Cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanide. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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