hydrocyanic acid

noun

1. a colorless, highly poisonous liquid, HCN, an aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide.

hydrocyanic acid

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊsaɪˈænɪk /

noun

1. another name for hydrogen cyanide, esp when in aqueous solution

hydrocyanic acid

/ hī′drō-sī-ăn′ĭk /

1. An aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide, having a characteristic smell of bitter almonds.
2. Also called prussic acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrocyanic acid¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The bluish pellets of diatomite soaked in hydrocyanic acid were poured through chutes.

From The Daily Beast

It is largely decomposed, by water, into silver cyanide and hydrocyanic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

In its therapeutical effects it resembles hydrocyanic acid, but is less active.

From Project Gutenberg

Emulsine has the property of being able to hydrolyse the glucoside amygdalin to glucose, benzaldehyde, and hydrocyanic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Detection and estimation of hydrocyanic acid and soluble cyanides.

From Project Gutenberg

Hydrocyanic acid and Creosote,—general sedatives,—act locally as anodynes to the nerves of the stomach.

From Project Gutenberg