pesticide

American  

[pes-tuh-sahyd] / ˈpɛs təˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical preparation for destroying plant, fungal, or animal pests.

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pesticide British  

/ ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical used for killing pests, esp insects and rodents

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pesticide Scientific  

/ pĕs′tĭ-sīd′ /

1. 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.

2. See more at fungicide herbicide insecticide

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Other Word Forms

• pesticidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of pesticide

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

Example Sentences

Others include multiple types of exposures associated with fume events: chemicals that appear in both pesticides and engine oils; high levels of ultrafine particles and solvents like formaldehyde; and brain trauma.

From The Wall Street Journal

The term derives from the white crystalline powder used in cleaning, soldering, glass making and in pesticides, which in centuries past was sold as a cure-all.

From The Wall Street Journal

Industrialization has altered these conditions within only a few centuries by adding noise, air and light pollution, microplastics, pesticides, continuous sensory input, artificial lighting, processed foods and long periods of sitting.

From Science Daily

The records showed that businesses operating in multiple counties were not fined for hundreds of pesticide violations — many of them involving worker safety.

From Los Angeles Times

The substances found to disrupt microbial growth include pesticides such as herbicides and insecticides used on crops, as well as industrial chemicals present in flame retardants and plastics.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide