arsenic in English
- arsenic⇄adj. 1. of arsenic.
2. containing arsenic, especially with a valence of 5. - arsenic⇄arsenic, noun, adjective.
- arsenic⇄noun 1. a very brittle, grayish-white nonmetallic chemical element which occurs chiefly in combination with other elements. Arsenic has a metallic luster and volatilizes when heated. It forms poisonous compounds with oxygen and is used especially to make
arsenic in Sindhi سنڌي
arsenic in Telugu తెలుగు
Arsenic
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈɑːrsənɪk/
Definitions
- A chemical element with symbol As and atomic number 33, typically found in minerals such as arsenopyrite. It is a poisonous substance used in pesticides and in the manufacturing of semiconductors.
- Any of various toxic compounds derived from arsenic, particularly used in insecticides and herbicides.
Usage Examples
- Arsenic is a potent poison, and its compounds have been used throughout history in both medicine and warfare.
- Many workers exposed to arsenic in mining operations have suffered from arsenic poisoning.
Etymology
The word "arsenic" comes from the Latin word "arsenicum," derived from the Greek "arsenikon," meaning "yellow orpiment" (a mineral containing arsenic). The name "arsenic" has been used since the Middle Ages to describe a toxic substance found in various ores and compounds.
Synonyms
- As
- Arsenious
- Arsenate
Antonyms
- Non-toxic substance
- Safe compound
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Arsenic | /ˈɑːrsənɪk/ |
| Spanish | Arsénico | /arˈse.ni.ko/ |
| French | Arsenic | /aʁsɛnɪk/ |
| German | Arsen | /ˈaʁzn̩/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 砷 | /shēn/ |
| Russian | Арсен | /arsen/ |
| Arabic | زرنيخ | /zarnīkh/ |
| Hindi | आर्सेनिक | /ārsenik/ |
| Bengali | আর্সেনিক | /arsenik/ |
| Gujarati | આર્સેનિક | /ārsenik/ |
| Tamil | ஆர்செனிக் | /ārseṉik/ |
| Telugu | ఆర్సెనిక్ | /ārseṇik/ |
| Marathi | आर्सेनिक | /ārseṇik/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In English, the pronunciation of "arsenic" remains fairly standard. In other languages, regional accents may influence the pronunciation, such as the rolling of "r" in some Spanish-speaking regions or the emphasis placed on different syllables in French.
Historical Usage
Arsenic has been used for thousands of years, initially as a poison in the form of arsenic trioxide, and later as a pesticide. It was once widely used in agricultural practices before its toxicity became well-documented. The compound's use as a poison dates back to ancient civilizations, including Rome and Persia.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, arsenic's reputation as a deadly poison has been the subject of folklore and historical tales. It has been implicated in high-profile poisonings, such as in royal families and political conspiracies, leading to its mythologization as the "king of poisons."
More Information
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth's crust and has a wide variety of uses, including in the production of semiconductors, glass, and as an alloy. While its toxic effects are well known, arsenic is still used in some industrial applications. It is also a significant environmental contaminant, often found in drinking water in certain regions, and can cause serious health problems, including cancer and skin lesions. Efforts to reduce arsenic exposure have led to various regulations around its use and disposal.