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

The possible settlement is part of a broader push to secure closure over the claims, which have weighed on the company since it bought Monsanto, the American-maker of the widely used but controversial herbicide.

From BBC

The German pharmaceutical and agriculture conglomerate on Tuesday said it proposed to settle a nationwide class-action lawsuit to resolve claims that its flagship herbicide causes cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Though they later held meetings to smooth over their differences, the network is again livid following the reauthorization of German agrochemical giant Bayer's dicamba herbicide for sprayed use on genetically modified soybean and cotton.

From Barron's

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

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide
• pesticide