Paris green

American  

noun

1. Chemistry. an emerald-green, poisonous, water-insoluble powder produced from arsenic trioxide and copper acetate: used chiefly as a pigment, insecticide, and wood preservative.

2. (sometimes lowercase) a variable hue ranging from light to vivid yellow green in color.

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Paris green British  

noun

1. an emerald-green poisonous insoluble substance used as a pigment and insecticide. It is a double salt of copper arsenite and copper acetate. Formula: 3Cu(AsO 2 ) 2 .Cu(C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2

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Etymology

Origin of Paris green

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Bidding for a place in history as the woman who made Paris green, she has promised another city referendum.

From BBC

In the 19th century, a concoction named Paris green was the insecticide of choice before being replaced by lead arsenate — an unholy marriage of arsenic and lead first used in 1892.

From Washington Post

An arsenical paint pigment called Paris green was first used against Colorado potato beetles in 1867.

From Salon

But should it ever invade our filbert orchards, it can be readily destroyed by dusting or spraying the trees with Paris green, London purple, or other well-known insecticides.

From Project Gutenberg

The asparagus slug, the larva of the well-known beetle, may be kept down by occasionally dusting with slacked lime containing Paris green.

From Project Gutenberg