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RATSBANE
1. One of the elements, a solid stuff resembling a metal in its physical properties, but in its chemical relations ranking with the nonmetals. It is of a steel-gray colour and brilliant luster, though generally dull from tarnish. It is very brittle, and sublimes at 356 deg Fahrenheit. It is sometimes found native, but generally combined with silver, cobalt, nickel, iron, antimony, or sulphur. Orpiment and realgar are two of its sulphur compounds, the first of which is the true arsenticum of the ancients. The element and its compounds are active poisons. Specific gravity from 5.7 to 5.9. Atomic weight. Symbol As.
2. Arsenious oxide or arsenious anhydride; called alsoarsenious acid, white arsenic, and ratsbane.
Pertaining to, or derived from, arsenic; said of those compounds of arsenic in which thiselement has its highest equivalence; as, arsenic acid.
Origin: L. Arsenicum, Gr, yellow orpiment, perh. Fr. Or better Attic masculine, male, on account of its power, or fr. For. Zernikh: cf. F. Arsenic.
Source: Websters Vocabulary