arsenic

[ noun ahr-suh-nik, ahrs-nik; adjective ahr-sen-ik ]

noun

1. a grayish-white element having a metallic luster, vaporizing when heated, and forming poisonous compounds. : As; : 74.92; : 33.
2. arsenic trioxide.
3. a mineral, the native element, occurring in white or gray masses.

adjective

1. of or containing arsenic, especially in the pentavalent state.

arsenic

noun

1. a toxic metalloid element, existing in several allotropic forms, that occurs principally in realgar and orpiment and as the free element. It is used in transistors, lead-based alloys, and high-temperature brasses. Symbol: As; atomic no: 33; atomic wt: 74.92159; valency: –3, 0, +3, or +5; relative density: 5.73 (grey); melting pt: 817°C at a pressure of 3MN/m² (grey); sublimes at 613°C (grey)
2. a nontechnical name for arsenic trioxide

adjective

1. of or containing arsenic, esp in the pentavalent state

arsenic

/ är′sə-nĭk /

1. A metalloid element most commonly occurring as a gray crystal, but also found as a yellow crystal and in other forms. Arsenic and its compounds are highly poisonous and are used to make insecticides, weed killers, and various alloys. Atomic number 33; atomic weight 74.922; valence 3, 5. Gray arsenic melts at 817°C (at 28 atm pressure), sublimes at 613°C, and has a specific gravity of 5.73.
2. See Periodic Table

Other Words From

• nonar·senic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arsenic¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English arsenicum, from Latin, from Greek arsenikón “orpiment” (a mineral), noun use of neuter of arsenikós “virile” (from ársēn “male, strong” + -ikos -ic none ), probably alteration by folk etymology of a Semitic word such as Syriac zarnīkā “orpiment,” from Middle Persian (compare Persian zargūn “gold-colored”; jargon ²( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of arsenic¹

C14: from Latin arsenicum, from Greek arsenikon yellow orpiment, from Syriac zarnīg (influenced in form by Greek arsenikos virile)

Example Sentences

Arsenic can also cause cardiovascular disease, which African-Americans have greater genetic susceptibility for, she said.

From The Daily Beast

Playing this season: Annie, Steel Magnolias, and Arsenic and Old Lace.

From The Daily Beast

Arsenic has been used as a poisoning agent since the Middle Ages.

From The Daily Beast

Arsenic, copper, lead and PCBs were found in the soil, sediment and water.

From The Daily Beast

As (metallic) Arsenic:—Obtained by one of the processes already given.

From Project Gutenberg

Arsenic, ar′sen-ik, n. one of the chemical elements: a mineral poison: a soft, gray-coloured metal.

From Project Gutenberg

Arsenic and phosphoric acids interfere unless an excess of free hydrochloric or other acid is present.

From Project Gutenberg

Arsenic also occurs as a constituent of several comparatively rare minerals; and, as an impurity, it is very widely distributed.

From Project Gutenberg

Arsenic itself is volatile, and many of its compounds have the same property.

From Project Gutenberg