̘. ̈n.ˈɑ:snɪk n. & adj. --n. 1 a
non-scientific name for arsenic
trioxide, a
highly poisonous
white powdery
substance used in weed-killers,
rat poison, etc. 2 Chem. a
brittle semi-metallic
element, used in semiconductors
and alloys. °Symb.:
As. --adj. 1 of or
concerning arsenic. 2 Chem. containing arsenic
with a
valency of
five. øred arsenic =
REALGAR. white arsenic =
sense 1. øøarsenious adj. [ME f. OF f. L arsenicum f. Gk arsenikon
yellow orpiment, identified with arsenikos
male, but in
fact f.
Arab. al-zarnik f. al
the + zarnik orpiment f. Pers. f. zar gold]