Arsenicate is a chemical compound that contains the element arsenic in a form that has been oxidized. This compound is found in a variety of minerals and is often used in industrial processes such as the production of pesticides, wood preservatives, and semiconductors. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of arsenicate, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Arsenicate is a noun that refers to a compound containing arsenic in a form that has been oxidized. It can also be used as a verb to describe the process of oxidizing arsenic.
Origin
The word arsenicate comes from the Latin word arsenicum, which means “yellow orpiment.” The element arsenic was first discovered in the Middle Ages, and its compounds were used in medicine and alchemy. The modern understanding of arsenic and its compounds began in the 18th century with the work of chemists such as Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Antoine Lavoisier.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, arsenicate is “a salt or ester of arsenic acid.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a compound containing arsenic in the pentavalent state.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “a chemical compound containing arsenic in a form that has been oxidized.”
Associations
Arsenicate is often associated with toxicity and environmental pollution. Its use in pesticides and wood preservatives has been linked to health problems in humans and animals. Arsenic contamination of soil and water is a major problem in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for arsenicate include arsenate, arsenious acid, and arsenic oxide.
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms for arsenicate, but some related terms include arsenide (a compound containing arsenic in a reduced form) and arsenite (a compound containing arsenic in a trivalent form).
The same root words
Some related words with the same root as arsenicate include arsenic, arsenious, and arsenate.
Example Sentences
- The groundwater in this area is contaminated with arsenicate from nearby industrial sites.
- The chemist was able to synthesize a new arsenicate compound in the lab.
- The use of arsenicate in pesticides has been banned in many countries due to its toxicity.
- The soil in this region has high levels of arsenic and arsenicate, making it unsuitable for agriculture.
- The safety data sheet for this chemical warns of the potential hazards of exposure to arsenicate.