herbicide

American  

[hur-buh-sahyd, ur-] / ˈhɜr bəˌsaɪd, ˈɜr- /

noun

1. a substance or preparation for killing plants, especially weeds.

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herbicide British  

/ ˈhɜːbɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical that destroys plants, esp one used to control weeds

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herbicide Scientific  

/ hûr′bĭ-sīd′,ûr′- /

1. A pesticide used to kill weeds. Paraquat is a herbicide.

2. Compare fungicide insecticide rodenticide

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Other Word Forms

• herbicidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of herbicide

First recorded in 1895–1900; herb + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

MHF is also used to clean semiconductor surfaces and produce pesticides and herbicides in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, according to the Torrance Refinery.

From Los Angeles Times

"In the coming weeks, we'll launch applicator training opportunities, and stewardship education to help ensure that growers and applicators have the best experience possible with Stryax herbicide."

From Barron's

Lebanon has accused Israeli aircraft of spraying an agricultural herbicide over southern villages at concentrations authorities described as dangerously high, raising concerns for food and environmental security.

From BBC

Marrero said that while the condition could not be diagnosed, he believed the patients had elevated levels of certain substances -- like herbicides or toxic metals -- in their systems, suggesting an environmental cause for the illness.

From Barron's

Monsanto developed the herbicide, as well as crop seeds genetically engineered to withstand it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide
• pesticide