Emily Dickinson Lexicon

XAN'THO-GEN, n. [Gr. ξανθος, yellow, and γενναω, to generate, from the yellow color of its compounds.]

A supposed acidifying and basifying compound principle, considered to be analogous to cyanogen, and believed to consist of sulphur and carbon, which, with certain metals, forms xanthids, and with hydrogen forms xanthohydric acid, analogous to cyanohydric acid. The above views, however, in regard to these compounds, are not considered as well established.