cyanoacrylate

noun

cy·​a·​no·​ac·​ry·​late ˌsī-ə-nō-ˈa-krə-ˌlāt How to pronounce cyanoacrylate (audio)
sī-ˌa-nō-
: any of several liquid acrylate monomers that readily polymerize as anions and are used as adhesives in industry and in closing wounds in surgery

Examples of cyanoacrylate 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.
How Curiosity Turned Super Glue Into A Household Staple Super Glue (cyanoacrylate) was first discovered by scientists at Eastman Kodak in 1942 while trying to create clear plastic for gun sights during World War II. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Researchers develop the prints by letting cyanoacrylate vapor molecules react with components in the latent fingerprint residue. Partha Banerjee, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2024 The mixture is impregnated with cyanoacrylate to turn the inlay into a composite, and the rings are finished with hand sanding and polishing. Erik S. Hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2021 The primary ingredient [in glue] is cyanoacrylate, meant to glue things like metals and paper, not the delicate skin of the face. Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 13 Sep. 2019 Some also report success with household instant glue (cyanoacrylate). Joe, The Seattle Times, 17 Dec. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyanoacrylate was in 1963

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Cite this Entry

“Cyanoacrylate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyanoacrylate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

cyanoacrylate

noun
cy·​a·​no·​ac·​ry·​late ˌsī-ə-nō-ˈak-rə-ˌlāt, sī-ˌan-ō- How to pronounce cyanoacrylate (audio)
: any of several liquid acrylate monomers that readily polymerize as anions and are used as adhesives in industry and in medicine on living tissue to close wounds in surgery

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