dicyandiamide

[ dahy-sahy-uhn-dahy-am-ahyd ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, rather sparingly water-soluble solid, C 2 H 4 N 4 , produced from cyanamide by polymerization: used in the manufacture of plastics and pharmaceuticals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dicyandiamide¹

di- ¹ + cyan(o)- ² + di- ¹ + amide

Example Sentences

Farmers can buy synthetic nitrification inhibitors such as dicyandiamide, but these are not ideal.

From Nature

Then, early this year, it was disclosed Fonterra had discovered that residues of the agricultural chemical dicyandiamide in some of its whole milk powder, skim milk powder and buttermilk powder in September 2012.

From New York Times

Earlier this year, Fonterra said it had discovered trace amounts of the agricultural chemical dicyandiamide in some products, prompting a ban on the chemical’s use on New Zealand farms.

From Seattle Times

More recently, low levels of dicyandiamide, a dangerous chemical that in high doses is toxic to humans, were found in some New Zealand dairy products.

From Wall Street Journal