biocide

[ bahy-uh-sahyd ]

/ ˈbaɪ əˌsaɪd /

noun

any chemical that destroys life by poisoning, especially a pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide.

Nearby words

biochemical pathways, biochemical profile, biochemistry, biochip, biocidal, biocide, bioclastic, bioclean, bioclimatic, bioclimatology, biocoenology

Origin of biocide

First recorded in 1945–50; bio- + -cide

Related forms

bi·o·cid·al, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for biocide

biocide

/ (ˈbaɪəˌsaɪd) /

noun

a chemical, such as a pesticide, capable of killing living organisms

Derived Forms

biocidal, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for biocide

biocide

[ bī′ə-sīd′ ]

A chemical agent, such as a pesticide or herbicide, that is capable of destroying living organisms.