Copper cyanide (CuCN) has been discovered to exhibit giant negative linear compressibility (NLC), expanding along one crystalline axis under pressure - an extremely rare behavior.

Unlike other NLC materials that show either small NLC over a wide range or large NLC over a narrow range, CuCN shows large NLC over a wide pressure range, making it a unique material.

X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy reveal that this unusual property arises from a remarkable "wine-rack" compression mechanism.

The discovery opens doors for advanced applications in pressure sensors, aerospace, seismic monitoring, and impact-resistant materials.