Definition

Noun A highly toxic, white crystalline compound with the chemical formula KCN. It is a salt that releases hydrogen cyanide gas and is used in certain industrial processes.

Usage

This term is used specifically to refer to the chemical compound. It is a technical term common in chemistry, industrial manufacturing, and forensic contexts. * The laboratory stored the potassium cyanide in a secure, clearly marked cabinet. * Potassium cyanide is used in some electroplating baths to deposit gold and silver.

Advanced Usage

• As a poison: Due to its extreme toxicity, its primary association outside of industrial use is as a lethal poison.
  • The detective novel featured a murder committed with potassium cyanide.

Variants and Related Words

• Cyanide (n): The general term for salts containing the cyanide anion (CN−), such as sodium cyanide or hydrogen cyanide gas.
• KCN: The chemical formula for potassium cyanide.

Synonyms

• KCN (Chemical formula)
• Cyanide salt (General category)

Important Note

Potassium cyanide is a deadly substance. This entry is for informational and academic purposes only. It is not a term used in everyday conversation and is strictly controlled due to its hazardous nature.

Noun

1. a poisonous salt (KCN) used in electroplating and in photography