cyanide
Meaning of cyanide: Cyanide is a fast acting poison that blocks cells from using oxygen, found in certain plants, smoke, and industrial chemicals.
Definition of cyanide
Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical that occurs naturally in certain plants and foods, is released in tobacco and other smoke, and is used industrially in processes such as metal extraction and the manufacture of plastics and other products.
Cyanide works by blocking an enzyme within cells called cytochrome c oxidase, a key component of the process cells use to convert oxygen into usable energy. When this enzyme is blocked, cells can no longer use the oxygen delivered to them, even though oxygen is still present in the blood.
Because cyanide affects cells throughout the body rapidly, exposure to a large enough amount, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, can cause serious illness or death within a short period, and its effects are generally described as a form of cellular asphyxiation rather than a lack of oxygen delivery itself.
Used in a sentence
Cyanide exposure was suspected following smoke inhalation from an enclosed structure fire.
Good to know
Cyanide poisoning prevents cells from using oxygen even though oxygen is still present and being delivered by the blood, distinguishing it from poisoning that blocks oxygen delivery itself.
Word origin
Where “cyanide” comes from
Formed from Greek kyanos, meaning dark blue, since cyanide compounds were first obtained from the pigment Prussian blue.