Plain English Meaning

A poison that stops your body's cells from being able to use the oxygen they receive. It is one of the dangerous gases produced when aircraft interior materials catch fire.

Full Definition

A highly toxic chemical compound containing a carbon-nitrogen group that blocks the body's cells from using oxygen, even when oxygen is present in the blood. In aviation, cyanide is most relevant as a product of combustion released when cabin materials, plastics, or upholstery burn during an in-flight or post-crash fire.

Context Anchor

Seen in aeromedical discussions of histotoxic hypoxia, especially when studying smoke, fire, poisoning, or toxic fumes.