Arsenic is a very strong poison which can kill people.
arsenic in British English
noun (ˈɑːsnɪk)
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 (ɑːˈsɛnɪk)
3.
of or containing arsenic, esp in the pentavalent state
Word origin
C14: from Latin arsenicum, from Greek arsenikon yellow orpiment, from Syriac zarnīg (influenced in form by Greek arsenikos virile)
arsenic in American English
(ˈɑrsəˌnɪk; for adj. ɑrˈsɛnɪk)
noun
1.
a silvery-white, brittle, very poisonous chemical element, compounds of which are used in making insecticides, glass, medicines, semiconductors, etc.: symbol, As; at. no., 33
2. Loosely
arsenic trioxide, As2O3, a poisonous compound of arsenic used to exterminate insects and rodents: it is a white powder and has no taste
adjective
3.
of or containing arsenic, esp. pentavalent arsenic
Word origin
ME < OFr < L arsenicum < Gr arsenikon, yellow orpiment; ult. (? via Syr zarnīk(ā)) < Iran *zarnīk, gold-colored (> Pers zarnīq, arsenic); assoc. in Gr with arsenikos, strong, masculine
Examples of 'arsenic' in a sentence
arsenic
She went on," Some researchers believe that prophylactic doses of arsenic prevent malaria.
Elizabeth Peters LORD OF THE SILENT (2001)
Word lists with
arsenic
chemical
All related terms of 'arsenic'
arsenic acid
a white poisonous soluble crystalline solid used in the manufacture of arsenates and insecticides . Formula : H 3 AsO 4
white arsenic
→ arsenous acid
arsenic poisoning
poisoning by arsenic
arsenic trioxide
a white poisonous powder used in the manufacture of glass and as an insecticide , rat poison , and weedkiller . Formula: As 2 O 3
arsenous acid
a toxic white powder , As 2 O 3 , used to make other arsenic compounds, insecticides , and preservatives ; white arsenic