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potassium cyanide
noun
: a very poisonous crystalline salt KCN used especially in gold and silver extraction from ore
Examples of potassium cyanide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The victims ingested Extra Strength Tylenol capsules that was later learned to be laced with potassium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen and causes rapid death.
—Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 12 Aug. 2023
Lab results revealed that many of the pills had been swapped out with potassium cyanide tablets.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2022
On March 15, when Angela Craig was hospitalized for the final time, one of James Craig's business partners told a nurse about the potassium cyanide delivery and how there was no need for it at their dental practice, prompting the nurse to contact police, according to the affidavit.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 12 July 2023
The office manager contacted another colleague with information about the potassium cyanide package after Angela went to the hospital a third time with the same symptoms, according to the warrant.
—Daniella Silva, NBC News, 23 Mar. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1866, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium cyanide was
in 1866
Dictionary Entries Near potassium cyanide
Cite this Entry
“Potassium cyanide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20cyanide. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
potassium cyanide
noun
: a very poisonous salt used especially to obtain gold and silver from ore
Medical Definition
potassium cyanide
noun
: a very poisonous crystalline salt KCN
More from Merriam-Webster on potassium cyanide
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potassium cyanide
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