ARSENIC Meaning and
Definition
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Arsenic is a chemical element represented by the symbol As and atomic number 33. It belongs to the periodic table's nitrogen group and is categorized as a metalloid, occasionally classified as a nonmetal. In its pure form, arsenic is a brittle, silver-gray color that tarnishes rapidly upon exposure to air.
Arsenic is predominantly known for its toxic properties that pose severe health risks to humans and other living organisms. It is highly poisonous and carcinogenic, capable of causing chronic health conditions and fatalities when ingested or inhaled. Due to its harmful nature, arsenic compounds have been used as a means of homicide and suicide throughout history.
The occurrence of arsenic in nature is primarily associated with minerals and ores, typically found in combination with other elements. It is present in various forms, including inorganic and organic arsenic compounds. Inorganic arsenic compounds are more commonly found in soils and rocks, whereas organic arsenic compounds are frequently detected in seafood and marine environments.
Despite being hazardous, arsenic finds applications in certain industries. For instance, it has been utilized in the past as a component in pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, and some medications. However, many of these applications have been discontinued or strictly regulated due to the associated health risks.
Efforts to reduce exposure to arsenic are of utmost importance to safeguard human health and protect the environment. Regulations and guidelines have been established to limit arsenic levels in food, water, and occupational settings. The development of effective and safe remediation methods for areas contaminated with arsenic is also a crucial focus of research and environmental management.
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• 1. Arsenicum, arsenium, arsenum; a steel-gray metal, one of the elements, symbol As, atomic weight 75. 2. Arseni trioxidum, white arsenic.
• Relating to the element arsenic, or one of its compounds; noting especially arsenic acid, H3AsO4 + 1/2 H2O, which forms arsenates with certain bases; not to be confused with what is ordinarily called arsenic, which is arsenous acid, arseni trioxidum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A metal; a poisonous mineral substance, in the form of a white or steel-grey powder; also called arsenious acid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ARSENIC *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ARSENIC
Etymology of ARSENIC
The word "arsenic" has a fascinating etymology. It can be traced back to the Greek word "arsenikon", which means "masculine" or "virile". The Greek word, in turn, derived from the Persian term "zarnikh", referring to the bright yellow orpiment, a compound containing arsenic. The element arsenic, known for its poisonous properties, was often linked with masculinity due to its association with warfare and poison-tipped weapons. Over time, "arsenic" became the term used to describe both the element and its compounds.
Similar spelling words for ARSENIC
- Arising,
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- Erasing,
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- arsonist,
- areca nut,
- Warsong,
- arsenal,
- arginine,
- arsenious,
- araising,
- arsenic-fast,
- iracing,
- arsing.
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