arsenic

/ˈɑrs(ə)nɪk/
/ɑrˈsɛnɪk/

noun

The chemical element of atomic number 33, a brittle steel-gray metalloid.

In animals and plants, arsenic combines with carbon and hydrogen to form organic arsenic.

adjective

Relating to arsenic.

Your article on arsenic poisoning of drinking water in Bangladesh and India (International, August 8) clearly illustrated a terrible disaster for many millions of people.