Cobalticyanic

/koʊˌbɔltɪsaɪˈænɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or denoting a chemical compound containing both cobalt and cyanide groups; a coordination complex of cobalt with cyanide ligands.

Etymology

From cobaltic (cobalt-containing) plus cyanic (containing cyanide, from Greek 'kyanos' meaning blue). 19th-century chemistry terminology.

Kelly Says

Cobalticyanic compounds were historically important for understanding coordination chemistry—they showed that metals could be surrounded by multiple cyanide molecules in precise geometric arrangements, revealing chemistry's mathematical nature.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.