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
a
: potassium cyanide
b
: sodium cyanide
2
: cyanogen sense 1

Examples of cyanide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the time Betkowski lived in New Mexico, police in Las Cruces reported an unsolved cyanide poisoning, in which the victim had capsulized medication, Cooper said. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Of the coyotes, for example, 15,000 nationwide were killed by neck snares, 5,500 with foothold traps and 182 with cyanide capsules. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 People may use the language to challenge current restrictions, opponents say, like a ban on leghold traps and cyanide bombs. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026 However, the human body actually makes tiny amounts of cyanide every day. — Sean McCann, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cyanide

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

Phrases Containing cyanide

Rhymes for cyanide

See All Rhymes for cyanide

Browse Nearby Words

cyanidation
cyanide
cyanide mill
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Cite this Entry

“Cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanide. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cyanide

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