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. See arsenic trioxide
   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

As temperatures rose, the power failed, and the arsenic levels in Oasis’s well water increased.

From Time

As parts of the country get hotter and drier, arsenic exposure is becoming more common.

From 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.

From 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.

From 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.

From ProPublica

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