pyrethrum

[ pahy-ree-thruhm, -reth-ruhm ]

noun

1. any of several chrysanthemums, as Chrysanthemum coccineum, having finely divided leaves and showy red, pink, lilac, or white flowers, cultivated as an ornamental.
2. any of several chrysanthemums, as C. cinerariifolium, or C. coccineum, cultivated as a source of insecticides.
3. Pharmacology. the dried flower heads of these plants, used chiefly as an insecticide and sometimes in medicine for certain skin disorders.

pyrethrum

/ paɪˈriːθrəm /

noun

1. any of several cultivated Eurasian chrysanthemums, such as Chrysanthemum coccineum and C. roseum, with white, pink, red, or purple flowers
2. any insecticide prepared from the dried flowers of any of these plants, esp C. roseum

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrethrum¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin, from Greek pýrethron, the name of the flower, akin to pyretós “fever”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrethrum¹

C16: via Latin from Greek purethron feverfew, probably from puretos fever; see pyretic

Example Sentences

There are very few data at hand concerning the discovery of the insecticide properties of pyrethrum.

From Project Gutenberg

How anything can be gay with Pyrethrum uliginosum I cannot imagine.

From Project Gutenberg

An irritant substance, as Ginger, or Pyrethrum, tends especially to cause this secretion when masticated.

From Project Gutenberg

If the flies are very numerous, catch them in wire traps, or burn pyrethrum powder in the room.

From Project Gutenberg

To clean the room where there are many flies, burn pyrethrum powder (Persian insect powder).

From Project Gutenberg