Hydrogen Cyanide (Noun)
Meaning
A highly poisonous gas or volatile liquid that smells like bitter almonds; becomes a gas at around 90 degree Fahrenheit and is most dangerous when inhaled; the anhydride of hydrocyanic acid; used in manufacturing.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic and can be fatal when inhaled in small quantities, so proper precautions must be taken when handling it.
- The chemical plant was shut down temporarily after it was discovered that a significant amount of hydrogen cyanide had leaked into the air.
- Prolonged exposure to even low concentrations of hydrogen cyanide can cause serious health problems, including damage to the central nervous system.
- Hydrogen cyanide was one of several poisonous gases used in chemical warfare during World War I, causing devastating effects on soldiers.
- Due to its volatility, hydrogen cyanide must be stored in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of a potentially deadly atmosphere.