First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1arsenic
noun ar·se·nic \ˈärs-nik, ˈär-sə-\
: a poisonous chemical that is used especially to kill insects and weeds
Full Definition of ARSENIC
1
: a trivalent and pentavalent metalloid poisonous element that is commonly metallic steel gray, crystalline, and brittle and is used especially in wood preservatives, alloys, and semiconductors — see element table
2
: a poisonous trioxide As2O3 or As4O6 of arsenic used especially as an insecticide or weed killer —called also arsenic trioxide
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Origin of ARSENIC
Middle English arsenik orpiment, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin arsenicum, from Greek arsenikon, arrhenikon, from Syriac zarnīg, of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan zaranya gold, Sanskrit hari yellowish — more at yellow
2arsenic
adjective ar·sen·ic \är-ˈse-nik\
Definition of ARSENIC
: of, relating to, or containing arsenic especially with a valence of five
First Known Use of ARSENIC
1801
ARSENIC Defined for Kids
arsenic
noun ar·se·nic \ˈärs-nik, ˈär-sə-\
Definition of ARSENIC for Kids
: a solid poisonous chemical element that is usually gray and snaps easily
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