Chem. [ad. F. cyanogène, f. Gr. κύανος a dark-blue mineral + -GEN, named (by Gay-Lussac, who isolated it in 1815) from its entering into the composition of Prussian blue.] A compound radical consisting of one atom of nitrogen and one of carbon (symbol CN or Cy). In the form of di-cyanogen (C2N2), it is a colorless gas, highly poisonous, with a strong odor like that of prussic acid. It exists in a great number of compounds, the cyanides, cyanates, cyanurets, etc.
1826. Henry, Elem. Chem., I. 451. The vapour, collected over mercury, proved to be pure cyanogen.
1855. Bain, Senses & Int., II. ii. § 8. An evolution of the unwholesome and suffocating gas, cyanogen.
