Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'arsenic'

English Word: arsenic

Key Russian Translations:

• мышьяк [ˈmʲiʂjək] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, medical, and environmental contexts, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мышьяк: [ˈmʲiʂjək]

Note on мышьяк: The "щ" sound (as in [ʂ]) is a soft, retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it is similar to the "sh" in "she" but more palatalized. Pronounce the initial "м" softly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The chemical element with symbol As and atomic number 33, a toxic metalloid.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мышьяк - Used in formal scientific, medical, or environmental discussions; refers to the element in its pure or compound forms.

Usage Examples:

• Мышьяк часто используется в промышленности для производства полупроводников.

  Arsenic is often used in industry for producing semiconductors.

• В малых дозах мышьяк может быть полезен в некоторых медицинских препаратах.

  In small doses, arsenic can be useful in certain medical preparations.

• Загрязнение мышьяком в воде представляет серьезную угрозу для здоровья.

  Contamination of water with arsenic poses a serious health threat.

• Мышьяк в составе минералов встречается в различных геологических формациях.

  Arsenic in the form of minerals is found in various geological formations.

• Исследования показывают, что мышьяк может вызывать хронические заболевания.

  Studies show that arsenic can cause chronic diseases.

Meaning 2: A poisonous substance derived from the element, often referenced in toxicology.

Translation(s) & Context:

• мышьяк - Applied in contexts involving poison or toxicity, such as in historical or forensic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Мышьяк был использован как яд в некоторых исторических преступлениях.

  Arsenic was used as a poison in some historical crimes.

• Симптомы отравления мышьяком включают тошноту и слабость.

  Symptoms of arsenic poisoning include nausea and weakness.

• Мышьяк в пищевых продуктах может привести к отравлению, если превышена норма.

  Arsenic in food products can lead to poisoning if the limit is exceeded.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мышьяк" is a masculine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows a regular pattern for most cases but has some irregularities in plural forms. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in some poetic or archaic uses, but standard modern Russian requires these declensions for grammatical accuracy.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: арсен (arsen) - More technical, often used in chemical nomenclature; антимон (antimon) - Sometimes confused but refers to a related element, though not a direct synonym.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "мышьяк" is a specific element and does not have direct opposites in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• Яд мышьяка - Refers to arsenic poison, commonly used in toxicological contexts.
• Соединения мышьяка - Means arsenic compounds, often discussed in chemistry or environmental science.
• Мышьяк в воде - Indicates arsenic in water, a phrase related to pollution and health risks.

Usage Notes:

The Russian translation "мышьяк" directly corresponds to the English "arsenic" in scientific and formal contexts, but it is rarely used in casual conversation. English learners should note that Russian nouns like this must be declined according to case, so always adjust for grammar (e.g., use genitive "мышьяка" after prepositions like "из" or in possessive structures). When choosing between translations, "мышьяк" is the most precise for general use, while "арсен" might be preferred in purely chemical discussions. Be mindful of the word's negative connotations due to its toxicity, which can influence its usage in sensitive topics.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "мышьяк" in all cases, e.g., saying "из мышьяк" instead of "из мышьяка". Correct: "Из мышьяка извлекли токсины" (They extracted toxins from arsenic). Explanation: Russian requires genitive case after prepositions like "из"; failing to decline can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Confusing it with similar-sounding words like "мышак" (a non-standard or dialectical variant), which is incorrect in formal Russian. Correct: Stick to "мышьяк" for accuracy. Explanation: This mistake often arises from mishearing or over-simplifying pronunciation, leading to misunderstandings in scientific contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "мышьяк" is often associated with infamous poisonings, such as those in literature (e.g., in Dostoevsky's works) or real events like the Rasputin mystery. It symbolizes deceit and danger, reflecting broader themes of toxicity in Russian folklore and Soviet-era environmental issues, where arsenic contamination in water sources was a significant public health concern.

Related Concepts:

• свинец (lead)
• ртуть (mercury)
• токсины (toxins)