cyano-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “blue, dark blue,” used in the formation of compound words:

   cyanotype.

cyano-

²

1. a combining form representing cyanide in the formation of compound words:

   cyanogen.

cyano-

³

1. a combining form used in the names of chemical compounds in which the cyano group is present:

   cyanohydrin.

cyano

⁴

[ sahy-uh-noh, sahy-an-oh ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. containing the cyano group.

cyano-

combining_form

1. blue or dark blue

   cyanotype

2. indicating cyanogen

   cyanohydrin

3. indicating cyanide

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyano-¹

< Greek kýano ( s ) dark blue (adj.), dark-blue substance (noun)

Origin of cyano-²

Combining form representing cyanogen

Origin of cyano-³

First recorded in 1960–65; independent use of cyano- ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyano-¹

from Greek kuanos (adj) dark blue, (n) dark blue enamel, lapis lazuli

Example Sentences

"There are two classes of organism in water - the cyano bacteria, which is commonly known as blue/ green algae, and actino mycetes, which are responsible for the damp or earth smell."

From BBC

He was engaged brilliantly in the battles of the Constitution with the Guerriere, and with the Cyano and the Levant.

From Project Gutenberg