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
For example, if an elderly person had ingested cyanide, the cause of death might have been harder to detect.
—
Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
To this day, there is no definitive word on who is responsible for lacing Tylenol with cyanide and killing seven people in Chicago in 1982.
—Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Mainstream historians say Hitler committed suicide by taking a cyanide capsule and shooting himself in Berlin in 1945.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Testing done by a professional hygienist allegedly found heavy metals, lead, cyanide and other contaminants, which would require demolition, removal of dry wall and flooring, and other repairs.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cyanide
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Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
To this day, there is no definitive word on who is responsible for lacing Tylenol with cyanide and killing seven people in Chicago in 1982.
—Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Mainstream historians say Hitler committed suicide by taking a cyanide capsule and shooting himself in Berlin in 1945.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Testing done by a professional hygienist allegedly found heavy metals, lead, cyanide and other contaminants, which would require demolition, removal of dry wall and flooring, and other repairs.
—Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cyanide
Cite this Entry
“Cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanide. Accessed 5 Jun. 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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