Definition

A colorless and highly toxic gas that is used in various applications, including as a rocket propellant and insecticide.

Example

Cyanogen is known for its use in chemical weapons due to its extreme toxicity.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of cyanogen?

Yeah, I read it's really toxic!

Exactly, it's used in some rocket fuels too.

That's wild! I had no idea it had such dangerous applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cyanogen is formed from "cyano-" (from Greek "kyanos", meaning dark blue) and "-gen" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word refers to a compound that produces a blue color, specifically in the context of cyanide compounds.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dark blue' ('cyano-') being something that is 'produced by' ('-gen') — that's how cyanogen relates to its meaning.

Visually Confused Words