arsenic
a grayish-white element having a metallic luster, vaporizing when heated, and forming poisonous compounds. Symbol: As; atomic weight: 74.92; atomic number: 33.
a mineral, the native element, occurring in white or gray masses.
of or containing arsenic, especially in the pentavalent state.
Origin of arsenic
1Other words from arsenic
- non·ar·sen·ic, adjective
Words Nearby arsenic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use arsenic in a sentence
As temperatures rose, the power failed, and the arsenic levels in Oasis’s well water increased.
Watch: In 'Unlivable Oasis,' a Family Struggles to Find Housing on the Front Lines of the Climate Crisis | ProPublica | August 18, 2021 | TimeAs parts of the country get hotter and drier, arsenic exposure is becoming more common.
Postcard From Thermal: Surviving the Climate Gap in Eastern Coachella Valley | by Elizabeth Weil and Mauricio Rodríguez Pons | August 17, 2021 | ProPublicaThose consultants found arsenic and manganese in soil tests of the site, but experts said they were not detected at levels harmful to people.
Sparrows Point land in Baltimore County may become public park | Taylor DeVille | The Baltimore Sun | April 22, 2021 | Washington PostThe FDA’s announcement, a plan called “Closer to Zero,” intends to draft maximum levels of lead in baby and toddler food by April 2022, and for arsenic by April 2024.
FDA to urge limits on heavy metals in baby foods, starting with arsenic and lead | Laura Reiley | April 12, 2021 | Washington PostOf those dozen toxins, several — including arsenic and hexavalent chromium — are considered to be carcinogenic if consumed even in small amounts over a long period of time.
arsenic can also cause cardiovascular disease, which African-Americans have greater genetic susceptibility for, she said.
The Congressman Fighting for More Arsenic in Drinking Water | Tim Mak | July 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTPlaying this season: Annie, Steel Magnolias, and arsenic and Old Lace.
16 Surprising Things Now More Expensive Than a Night on a Carnival Cruise | Kevin Fallon | April 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTarsenic has been used as a poisoning agent since the Middle Ages.
No Answers in Death of Technician Linked to Andrew Breitbart | Christine Pelisek | November 30, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTarsenic, copper, lead and PCBs were found in the soil, sediment and water.
As (metallic) arsenic:—Obtained by one of the processes already given.
arsenic, ar′sen-ik, n. one of the chemical elements: a mineral poison: a soft, gray-coloured metal.
arsenic and phosphoric acids interfere unless an excess of free hydrochloric or other acid is present.
A Textbook of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. | Cornelius Beringer and John Jacob Beringerarsenic also occurs as a constituent of several comparatively rare minerals; and, as an impurity, it is very widely distributed.
A Textbook of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. | Cornelius Beringer and John Jacob Beringerarsenic itself is volatile, and many of its compounds have the same property.
A Textbook of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. | Cornelius Beringer and John Jacob Beringer
British Dictionary definitions for arsenic
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)
a nontechnical name for arsenic trioxide
of or containing arsenic, esp in the pentavalent state
Origin of arsenic
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for arsenic
[ är′sə-nĭk ]
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. See Periodic Table.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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