hydrocyanic acid


noun

a colorless, highly poisonous liquid, HCN, an aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide.
Also called prussic acid.

Origin of hydrocyanic acid

First recorded in 1810–20

Example sentences from the Web for hydrocyanic acid

  • Gabriel jerked up his revolver, as he ran, the terrible weapon shooting bullets charged with hydrocyanic-acid gas.

    The Air Trust |George Allan England
  • Hydrocyanic-acid gas is effective in destroying all animal life in buildings.

    House Rats and Mice |David E. Lantz

British Dictionary definitions for hydrocyanic acid

hydrocyanic acid
/ (ˌhaɪdrəʊsaɪˈænɪk) /

noun

another name for hydrogen cyanide, esp when in aqueous solution

Medical definitions for hydrocyanic acid

hydrocyanic acid
[ hī′drō-sī-ănĭk ]

n.

An aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide that is a poisonous weak acid. prussic acid

Scientific definitions for hydrocyanic acid

hydrocyanic acid
[ hī′drō-sī-ănĭk ]

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