crop-dusting

American  

[krop-duhs-ting] / ˈkrɒpˌdʌs tɪŋ /

noun

1. the spraying of powdered fungicides or insecticides on crops, usually from an airplane.

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crop-dusting British  

noun

1. the spreading of fungicide, etc on crops in the form of dust, often from an aircraft

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Usage

What else does crop-dusting mean? In slang, crop-dusting is the act of moving while passing gas, usually silently, thereby “dusting” other people or an area with the gas.

Example Sentences

AeroDrone, which made crop-dusting drones prior to the war and now supplies Ukraine’s armed forces, makes unmanned aircraft that can carry up to 300 kilograms or fly up to several thousand kilometres in certain configurations.

From Reuters • Mar. 24, 2023

Well before "Silent Spring" was published, a crop-dusting industry developed on the Great Plains in the years after World War II to apply newly commercialized pesticides.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2022

Though largely foiled, Prince’s plans are a reminder of how crop-dusting planes are especially risky pieces of military technology when it comes to international law and human rights issues in conflict.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2022

And let’s not forget the memorable character actors beefing up the supporting roles, from Brent Spiner’s Area 51 scientist to Randy Quaid’s crop-dusting pilot.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2022

Sometimes the ponds receive not only contaminated runoff but also a direct dose as crop-dusting pilots neglect to shut off the duster in passing over a pond.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson