arsenic
1ar·se·nic
noun \ˈärs-nik, ˈär-sə-\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
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
First Known Use: 14th century
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