cy·a·no·hy·drin \ˌsīə(ˌ)nōˈhīdrə̇n\noun alsocy·an·hy·drin\ˌsīˌanˈ-, -īənˈ-\ (-s) Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary cyan- + -hydrin : any of a class of organic compounds containing both cyano and alcoholic hydroxyl groups usually made by the addition of hydrogen cyanide to an aldehyde or ketone : a hydroxy nitrile; especially: an alpha-hydroxy nitrile