insecticide

American  

[in-sek-tuh-sahyd] / ɪnˈsɛk təˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance or preparation used for killing insects.

2. the act of killing insects.

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insecticide British  

/ ɪnˈsɛktɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance used to destroy insect pests

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insecticide Scientific  

/ ĭn-sĕk′tĭ-sīd′ /

1. A pesticide used to kill insects. Chlordane and DDT are insecticides.

2. Compare fungicide herbicide rodenticide

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Other Word Forms

• insecticidal adjective
• noninsecticidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of insecticide

First recorded in 1860–65; insect + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

Small farmers like Nkelane rarely have the means to buy tools or the chemical fertilisers and insecticides they deem necessary to improve their soil.

From Barron's

The findings appear to confirm the theory that the Bocek family died after being exposed to the toxic insecticide as a result of a pest control treatment used by the hotel they were staying in.

From Barron's

He added the best way to avoid the virus was to "avoid being bitten" by covering up and using insecticide.

From BBC

Current efforts aim to kill mosquitoes with insecticide rather than curing them of malaria.

From BBC

There are also some natural substances that are used as pesticides in organic agriculture, often isolated hormones or chemicals from plant tissues that are used as insecticides.

From Salon

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• pesticide