Cyanogen

[sai'ænәdʒin]

Definition

(noun.) a colorless toxic gas with a pungent almond odor; has been used in chemical warfare.

Editor: Marilyn--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A colorless, inflammable, poisonous gas, C2N2, with a peach-blossom odor, so called from its tendency to form blue compounds; obtained by heating ammonium oxalate, mercuric cyanide, etc. It is obtained in combination, forming an alkaline cyanide when nitrogen or a nitrogenous compound is strongly ignited with carbon and soda or potash. It conducts itself like a member of the halogen group of elements, and shows a tendency to form complex compounds. The name is also applied to the univalent radical, CN (the half molecule of cyanogen proper), which was one of the first compound radicals recognized.

Editor: Tess

Definition

n. a compound of carbon obtained by decomposing the cyanide of mercury by heat so called from being an essential ingredient in the formation of Prussian blue.—n. Cy′anate a salt of cyanic acid.—adj. Cyan′ic of or belonging to cyanogen.—ns. Cy′anide a direct compound of cyanogen with a metal; Cy′anine the blue colouring matter of violets &c.; Cy′anite a mineral composed of alumina and silica generally sky-blue; Cyanom′eter an instrument for measuring the degrees of blueness of the sky or ocean; Cyanō′sis morbid lividness of the skin blue jaundice.—adj. Cyanot′ic.—ns. Cyan′otype a photograph on paper sensitised by a cyanide; Cyan′uret a cyanide.—Cyanic acid an acid composed of cyanogen and oxygen.

Typed by Adele