cyanide

/'saiənaid/

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Cyanide is a noun that refers to a very poisonous substance. It is often found in the form of a salt (which is a type of compound formed when an acid reacts with a base) derived from hydrocyanic acid. Cyanide can also refer to a group of organic compounds that contain the cyano group, which is a chemical group represented by the formula -CN.

Simple Explanation:

• Cyanide is a dangerous chemical that can be found in some plants and industrial processes. It is very toxic and can cause serious harm or death if ingested or inhaled.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "cyanide" when talking about toxic substances, particularly in scientific or safety contexts.
• Be careful with this word, as it often relates to serious health risks.

Example:

• "The detective found a small vial of cyanide at the crime scene, indicating a possible poisoning."

Advanced Usage:

• In chemistry, cyanides can be discussed in more complex contexts, such as their reactions and uses in industrial processes (e.g., gold extraction). For instance, "Sodium cyanide is commonly used in mining to extract gold from ore."

Word Variants:

• Cyanide (noun): the substance itself.
• Cyanic (adjective): related to cyanide.
• Cyanide poisoning (noun): the condition resulting from exposure to cyanide.

Different Meanings:

• In a non-chemical context, "cyanide" does not have many different meanings, but it is often referenced in discussions about toxicology, environmental science, and crime.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "cyanide" since it refers to a specific chemical. However, you might hear related terms like "poison" when discussing its effects.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that include the word "cyanide," but you might hear phrases like "to poison someone" in broader discussions.

Safety Note:

Cyanide is extremely dangerous, and exposure can be fatal. It is important to handle it with care and follow safety guidelines if working in environments where cyanide is present. Always seek immediate medical attention if you suspect cyanide poisoning.

Academic

Noun

1. an extremely poisonous salt of hydrocyanic acid
2. any of a class of organic compounds containing the cyano radical -CN

Synonyms

• nitrile
• nitril