arsenic

//ˈɑːr.sə.nɪk//
C1Frequency Level 11Technical
Visual representation of arsenic

Noun

1

A chemical element (symbol As, atomic number 33) that is a brittle, steel-gray metalloid, highly toxic and used in alloys, semiconductors, and pesticides.

Arsenic is a highly toxic element that was once used in pesticides.

2

A poisonous compound of arsenic, especially arsenic trioxide, historically used as a poison.

In the 19th century, arsenic was commonly used as a poison because it was difficult to detect.

Adjective

arsenicCanonical form
1

Of, relating to, or containing arsenic, especially with a valence of five.

Arsenic acid is formed when arsenic compounds react with oxygen.