View synonyms for pesticide

pesticide

[ pes-tuh-sahyd ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

pesticide

/ ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd /

pesticide

/ pĕs′tĭ-sīd′ /

A chemical used to kill harmful animals or plants. Pesticides are used especially in agriculture and around areas where humans live. Some are harmful to humans, either from direct contact or as residue on food, or are harmful to the environment because of their high toxicity, such as DDT (which is now banned in many countries). Pesticides include fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides.
See more at fungicide

First recorded in 1935–40; pest + -i- + -cide

Those might include BPA (which is found in many plastics), pesticide residue, and both legal and not-so-legal drugs.

Genetically modified seeds were supposed to liberate corn farmers from using pesticide to combat rootworms.

The Monsanto corporation produces a popular pesticide called Roundup.

We commonly ingest pesticide residue on non-organic produce.

In many rural Chinese homes, a jar of pesticide—often a variety banned in Western countries—sits in the family outhouse.

The laws and recommendations for pesticide application may have changed since the articles were written.

We have already ordered a patrol column of two hundred fully-armed pesticide robots to destroy the animals.

All through the wooded area, he could see occasional members of the pesticide robots.

Within minutes, more and more of the pesticide robots were swarming towards and into the clearing.

Two hundred pesticide robots were ranged around the perimeter of the clearing, their weapons facing inward.

Browse