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hydrogen cyanide
noun
1
: a poisonous usually gaseous compound HCN that has the odor of bitter almonds
2
Examples of hydrogen cyanide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The state legislation specified that Suncor needed to monitor the air for hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide and benzene.
—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2024
In 2021, the state legislature passed a bill that required Suncor to install monitoring equipment along its fenceline to test the air for hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide and benzene.
—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2024
Kohoutek also marked the first direct detection of methyl cyanide, hydrogen cyanide and silicates in a comet.
—Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2023
The amount of hydrogen cyanide is too small to be immediately observed.
—Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023
The poison is hydrogen cyanide, a colorless, odorless gas that is deadly to many Earth creatures.
—Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023
In a new study of data collected by the spacecraft Cassini, scientists identified another key molecule that could likely be added to that list: hydrogen cyanide.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Dec. 2023
Nandina berries contain a tiny amount of cyanide along with other alkaloids that produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which is a highly toxic substance to all humans and animals.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2023
One worker was overcome by hydrogen cyanide gas while cleaning the tank and sustained permanent brain damage.
—Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrogen cyanide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near hydrogen cyanide
Cite this Entry
“Hydrogen cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20cyanide. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
hydrogen cyanide
noun1
: a poisonous usually gaseous compound HCN that has the odor of bitter almonds
2
More from Merriam-Webster on hydrogen cyanide
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrogen cyanide
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