arsenic acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “arsenic acid” mean?
A highly toxic, crystalline inorganic acid with the chemical formula H₃AsO₄.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly toxic, crystalline inorganic acid with the chemical formula H₃AsO₄.
A corrosive and poisonous oxoacid of arsenic used in chemical synthesis, as a wood preservative, and historically in some medicines and insecticides.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in usage or meaning. Spelling conventions follow standard national norms (e.g., 'standardise' vs. 'standardize' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Universally connotes extreme toxicity and danger.
Frequency
Frequency is equally very low and confined to chemical/technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “arsenic acid” in a Sentence
arsenic acid + VERB (e.g., forms, reacts, decomposes)PREPOSITION + arsenic acid (e.g., in arsenic acid, with arsenic acid)arsenic acid + is + ADJECTIVE (e.g., is toxic, is crystalline)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arsenic acid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The process arsenicates the wood, effectively preserving it.
- The sample was arsenicated for the test.
American English
- The treatment arsenicates the wood, preserving it effectively.
- The sample was arsenicated for testing.
adverb
British English
- None. The term does not have a standard adverbial form.
American English
- None. The term does not have a standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The arsenical compound was handled in a fume cupboard.
- Arsenical contamination of the soil was a major concern.
American English
- The arsenical compound was handled under a fume hood.
- Arsenical contamination of the soil was a key issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in regulatory or safety documentation for chemical industries.
Academic
Used in chemistry textbooks, research papers, and laboratory protocols.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary domain of use: chemical synthesis, material science, toxicology, industrial safety.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arsenic acid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arsenic acid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arsenic acid”
- Mispronouncing 'arsenic' as /ɑːrˈsen.ɪk/ (correct is /ˈɑː.sən.ɪk/).
- Using 'arsenical acid' (archaic/incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'arsenous acid' (H₃AsO₃).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Arsenic is a chemical element (As). Arsenic acid (H₃AsO₄) is a specific compound containing arsenic, oxygen, and hydrogen.
Historically, it was used in wood preservation, insecticides, and some dyes. Today, its use is highly restricted, but it remains important in specialised chemical synthesis and research.
You should not handle it without extensive professional training and proper safety equipment (gloves, goggles, fume hood). It is a controlled, hazardous substance.
Almost never. Its use is confined to scientific, industrial, and regulatory contexts. In everyday speech, people would simply refer to 'arsenic' or 'poison'.
A highly toxic, crystalline inorganic acid with the chemical formula H₃AsO₄.
Arsenic acid is usually technical / scientific in register.
Arsenic acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑː.sən.ɪk ˈæs.ɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːr.sən.ɪk ˈæs.ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is strictly technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Arsenic is famously poisonous, and 'acid' often burns. Remember: ARSENIC ACID = Poison + Burn.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A CORROSIVE SUBSTANCE / TOXICITY IS A CHEMICAL AGENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary hazard associated with arsenic acid?