Cyanide (Noun)
Meaning 1
An extremely poisonous salt of hydrocyanic acid.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The authorities suspect that the victim ingested cyanide, which led to her sudden and untimely death.
- After learning about the deadly effects of cyanide, the chemistry students handled the substance with extreme caution.
- Cyanide poisoning can cause respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and even death in a matter of minutes.
- The investigators found a container of cyanide hidden in the suspect's laboratory, which confirmed their suspicions.
- The toxicology report revealed that the patient had ingested a lethal dose of cyanide, leaving little chance for survival.
Meaning 2
Any of a class of organic compounds containing the cyano radical -CN.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The insecticide was found to contain traces of a derivative of cyanide that posed a significant risk to human health.
- Cyanide ions can form coordination compounds with certain metals, often resulting in toxic substances.
- The chemical plant's accidental release of hydrogen cyanide gas led to a massive evacuation of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Methyl cyanide, found in some pesticides, can contaminate water sources if not disposed of properly.
- In organic chemistry labs, handling compounds containing the cyanide group requires special protective equipment and procedures.