insecticide

American  

[in-sek-tuh-sahyd] / ɪnˈsɛk təˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance or preparation used for killing insects.

2. the act of killing insects.

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insecticide British  

/ ɪnˈsɛktɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance used to destroy insect pests

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insecticide Scientific  

/ ĭn-sĕk′tĭ-sīd′ /

1. A pesticide used to kill insects. Chlordane and DDT are insecticides.

2. Compare fungicide herbicide rodenticide

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Other Word Forms

• insecticidal adjective
• noninsecticidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of insecticide

First recorded in 1860–65; insect + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

If trees are lightly or not-yet infested, they can be sprayed or injected with insecticides.

From Los Angeles Times

The chemicals shown to damage gut bacteria include pesticides such as herbicides and insecticides commonly applied to crops.

From Science Daily

But syrup producers do not plant, irrigate, fertilize or use insecticides on their self-sufficient forests.

From The Wall Street Journal

For instance, insecticides are meant to affect insects, not humans or their resident microbes.

From Science Daily

Durnell, and the issue of whether a federal insecticide rule preempts state law.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• pesticide