cyanide

UK: ˈsaɪənaɪd | US: ˈsaɪəˌnaɪd

Definition

  1. n. a highly toxic chemical compound containing a carbon-nitrogen (C≡N) group

  2. n. (historical) a poison used in executions or suicides

Structure
cyan <blue, from Greek *kyanos*>ide <chemical suffix, from Greek *-eidēs* (resembling)>
Etymology

The word "cyanide" originates from the Greek kyanos (blue), referring to the compound’s historical association with Prussian blue dye, where cyanide was first isolated. The suffix -ide denotes a chemical compound, reflecting its classification in chemistry. The term evolved from color association to its modern toxicological meaning.

Examples

  1. The lab technician handled cyanide with extreme caution due to its lethal properties.

  2. Some fruit seeds contain traces of cyanide as a natural defense mechanism.

  3. Forensic tests detected cyanide in the victim’s bloodstream.

  4. Industrial processes sometimes use cyanide in metal extraction.

  5. The spy carried a cyanide capsule as a last resort.