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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
Officials bought potassium cyanide instead of sodium cyanide.
—Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024
An arrest affidavit from the Aurora Police Department obtained by PEOPLE claims that James slipped potassium cyanide and arsenic into his wife’s pre-workout shake beginning the morning of March 6.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Police began investigating James Craig in the death of his wife after a business partner informed them Craig had ordered potassium cyanide to be sent to his dental practice, their affidavit said, drawing the concern of the partner because the chemical is highly lethal if ingested.
—Andi Babineau, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
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
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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 24 Dec. 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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