Definition: Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) - The poison that was dropped in crystal form, through a small hole in the ceiling, into the gas chambers. The pellets turned into a lethal gas once in air. The first test using Zyklon B was on September 3, 1941 in Auschwitz. Previous to its use in gas chambers, Zyklon B was a common insecticide.
Zyklon B Definition
By Jennifer Rosenberg, About.com Guide
See More About:
Containers of Zyklon B (poison gas pellets) and a gas mask found at Majdanek after the liberation of the camp.
(Photo courtesy USHMM)Suggested Reading
Related Articles
- Auschwitz Gas Chamber
- Confusing Meeting Terms - B/P Definition in Glossary of Confusing Meeting T...
- Aktion T-4 - Holocaust Glossary Definition of the Term Aktion T-4
- Operation Barbarossa - Holocaust Glossary Definition of the Term Operation ...
- Euthanasia Program - Holocaust Glossary Definition of the Term Euthanasia P...
Explore 20th Century History
- About.com
- Education
- 20th Century History
- Wars & Conflicts
- Holocaust
- Holocaust Glossary
- Zyklon B - Holocaust Glossary Definition of the Term Zyklon B
©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.
A part of The New York Times Company.