Arsenic
['ɑːs(ə)nɪk] or ['ɑrsnɪk]
Definition
(noun.) a very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms; arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys; found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar.
(noun.) a white powdered poisonous trioxide of arsenic; used in manufacturing glass and as a pesticide (rat poison) and weed killer.
Checker: Zachariah--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) One of the elements, a solid substance resembling a metal in its physical properties, but in its chemical relations ranking with the nonmetals. It is of a steel-gray color and brilliant luster, though usually dull from tarnish. It is very brittle, and sublimes at 356¡ Fahrenheit. It is sometimes found native, but usually combined with silver, cobalt, nickel, iron, antimony, or sulphur. Orpiment and realgar are two of its sulphur compounds, the first of which is the true arsenicum of the ancients. The element and its compounds are active poisons. Specific gravity from 5.7 to 5.9. Atomic weight 75. Symbol As.
(n.) Arsenious oxide or arsenious anhydride; -- called also arsenious acid, white arsenic, and ratsbane.
(a.) Pertaining to, or derived from, arsenic; -- said of those compounds of arsenic in which this element has its highest equivalence; as, arsenic acid.
Inputed by Angela
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Arsenious acid.
Editor: Margie
Definition
n. one of the chemical elements: a mineral poison: a soft gray-coloured metal.—ns. Ar′senate Arsē′niate a salt of arsenic acid.—adjs. Arsen′ic -al composed of or containing arsenic: in chemistry applied to compounds; Arsē′nious of or containing arsenic.—n. Ar′senite a salt of arsenious acid.
Typed by Annette
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. A kind of cosmetic greatly affected by the ladies whom it greatly affects in turn.
Checked by Bianca
Examples
- Tenant of a top set--bad character--shut himself up in his bedroom closet, and took a dose of arsenic. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- Roderigo rent his chains asunder manfully, and Hugo died in agonies of remorse and arsenic, with a wild, Ha! Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- As to his religious notions--why, as Voltaire said, incantations will destroy a flock of sheep if administered with a certain quantity of arsenic. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Dissolve the concentrated lye in the water, add the sugar and boil the solution, meanwhile gradually adding the arsenic. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- But then you must not offend your arsenic-man. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- I look for the man who will bring the arsenic, and don't mind about his incantations. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- I only wanted to tell you that if you vote for your arsenic-man, you are not to cut me in consequence. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
Typist: Sean