arsenic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Scientific, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “arsenic” mean?
A highly poisonous metallic element (symbol As).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly poisonous metallic element (symbol As).
The element in various forms, notably as a toxic compound used historically in medicine, pesticides, and as a poison. Also refers to the colour arsenic (a pale greyish-green).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of toxicity, danger, and historical use in murder.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse, with comparable technical/scientific use.
Grammar
How to Use “arsenic” in a Sentence
N of arsenicV (e.g., contain, test for, be poisoned with) + arsenicarsenic + N (e.g., arsenic levels)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arsenic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Victorian murderer was found to have arsenicked his victims over several years.
- The old pesticide arsenicked the soil for decades.
American English
- The historical records suggest someone arsenicked the rival's drink.
- They feared the well had been arsenicked.
adjective
British English
- The wallpaper had a distinct arsenic green tint.
- He suffered from chronic arsenic poisoning.
American English
- They removed the arsenic-laced soil from the site.
- Tests revealed arsenic contamination in the groundwater.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like environmental consulting, water safety reports, or hazardous material handling.
Academic
Common in chemistry, environmental science, toxicology, geology, and history papers.
Everyday
Very low frequency. Associated with crime stories, historical anecdotes, or news about water/soil contamination.
Technical
Core term in chemistry, metallurgy, environmental engineering, and forensic science.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arsenic”
- Mispronouncing as /ɑːrˈsɛnɪk/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using as a countable noun (*an arsenic).
- Confusing the element (As) with the common poison 'arsenic trioxide'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its elemental form and common compounds. Trace amounts occur naturally, but any significant exposure is toxic.
It is extremely rare and archaic. The past tense 'arsenicked' is occasionally found in historical or literary contexts.
Both are poisons, but they are different chemical elements/compounds with distinct properties, histories, and mechanisms of toxicity.
It's a classic black comedy play and film where two elderly sisters use arsenic-laced elderberry wine to murder lonely old men.
A highly poisonous metallic element (symbol As).
Arsenic is usually technical, scientific, historical, literary in register.
Arsenic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːs(ə)nɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrs(ə)nɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “['Arsenic and Old Lace'] (title of a play/film about poisoning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ARSENIC sounds like 'are sick' – and you definitely would be if you ingested it.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARSENIC IS A STEALTHY KILLER / ARSENIC IS A LEGACY POLLUTANT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'arsenic' LEAST likely to be used routinely?