arsenic

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

/ noun ˈɑr sə nɪk, ˈɑrs nɪk; adjective ɑrˈsɛn ɪk /

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noun

a grayish-white element having a metallic luster, vaporizing when heated, and forming poisonous compounds. Symbol: As; atomic weight: 74.92; atomic number: 33.

arsenic trioxide.

a mineral, the native element, occurring in white or gray masses.

adjective ar·sen·ic

[ahr-sen-ik] /ɑrˈsɛn ɪk/

of or containing arsenic, especially in the pentavalent state.

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Origin of arsenic

1350–1400; Middle English arsenicum<Latin <Greek arsenikón orpiment, noun use of neuter of arsenikós virile (ársēn male, strong + -ikos-ic), probably alteration of Semitic word (perhaps <*arznig, metathetic variant of Syriac zarnig) by folk etymology

OTHER WORDS FROM arsenic

non·ar·sen·ic, adjective

Words nearby arsenic

arsed, arse licker, arsen-, arsenal, arsenate, arsenic, arsenic acid, arsenical, arsenic disulfide, arsenic trichloride, arsenic trioxide

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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|Time
As 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|ProPublica
Those 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 Post
The 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 Post

Of 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.
The Coal Plant Next Door|by Max Blau for Georgia Health News|March 22, 2021|ProPublica
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|DAILY BEAST
Playing 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|DAILY BEAST
Arsenic 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|DAILY BEAST
Arsenic, copper, lead and PCBs were found in the soil, sediment and water.
Our Most Polluted States|The Daily Beast|May 19, 2010|DAILY BEAST
As (metallic) Arsenic:—Obtained by one of the processes already given.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
Arsenic, ar′sen-ik, n. one of the chemical elements: a mineral poison: a soft, gray-coloured metal.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)|Various
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 Beringer
Arsenic 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 Beringer
Arsenic 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

arsenic

noun (ˈɑːsnɪk)

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

adjective (ɑːˈsɛnɪk)

of or containing arsenic, esp in the pentavalent state

Word Origin for arsenic

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

Collins 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

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.