insecticide

[in-sek-tuh-sahyd]

noun

1. a substance or preparation used for killing insects.

2. the act of killing insects.

insecticide

/ ɪnˈsɛktɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance used to destroy insect pests

insecticide

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

2. Compare fungicide herbicide rodenticide

Other Word Forms

• insecticidal adjective
• noninsecticidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insecticide¹

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

Related Words

• defoliant 
• fungicide 
• pesticide