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

Whether its lead from old buildings, arsenic from contaminated food or strontium fallout from a nuclear explosion, heavy metals that enter the body pose a serious health threat.

From Los Angeles Times

Recent sampling of drinking water in the Tule area has shown significant numbers of wells with contaminants such as arsenic, nitrate and the carcinogenic chemical 1,2,3-Trichloropropane at levels exceeding safe thresholds.

From Los Angeles Times

When she was in middle school, Alaina Wood learned about an environmental disaster — a coal ash spill into the Emory River, west of Knoxville, Tenn., that released toxic sludge containing arsenic and mercury.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors said the way the company mismanaged the waste led to harmful levels of carcinogenic chemicals, lead, arsenic and mercury being released into the air, soil and water.

From BBC

The level of arsenic found in Compton’s tap water may differ wildly from that found in Glendale.

From Los Angeles Times