Definition

Relating to or producing cyanide, a toxic compound that can be harmful or lethal.

Example

Certain plants are cyanogenic, meaning they can produce cyanide when damaged.

Conversation

Did you know some plants are cyanogenic?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they can produce cyanide, which is pretty dangerous.

Wow, that's fascinating and a bit scary!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cyanogenic → It is formed from "cyano-" (from Greek "kyanos", meaning dark blue) and "-genic" (from Greek "genes", meaning producing or generating). The word refers to substances that produce cyanide, which is often associated with a blue color in chemical reactions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cyano-' meaning dark blue, and '-genic' meaning producing — cyanogenic refers to something that produces a blue-colored compound, specifically cyanide.

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