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

/ ĭn-sĕk′tĭ-sīd′ /

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

Derived Forms

• inˌsectiˈcidal, adjective

Other Words From

• in·secti·cidal adjective
• nonin·secti·cidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insecticide¹

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

Example Sentences

By the 1980s, China was extensively testing and implementing insecticide nets around the country as a prevention method, well before they were standard practice.

From Popular-Science

In plants, it functions as an insecticide — poisoning insects that try to eat the plant.

From Science News For Students

Tick activity is expected to be higher than usual this year, and some health experts recommend wearing clothing that’s been treated with permethrin, an insecticide.

From Washington Post

In fact, another study found that sparrows eating seeds coated with a neonicotinoid insecticide commonly used in agriculture lost weight and then delayed their migration.

From Popular-Science

First, researchers need to test the new version of the insecticide against pesticide-resistant mosquitoes.

From Science News

The disease remains a global scourge despite rapid advances in providing insecticide nets and spraying homes, mostly with DDT.

From The Daily Beast

Thanks to the widespread adoption of such seeds, farmers have been spraying their crops with insecticide less frequently.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes a druggist will remember selling some poison to kill a dog or as an insecticide.

From Project Gutenberg

There are very few data at hand concerning the discovery of the insecticide properties of pyrethrum.

From Project Gutenberg

Perches are best cleaned by washing with some liquid insecticide, and then allowing them to dry in the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

The experiments prove that all insects having open mouth parts are peculiarly susceptible to this popular insecticide.

From Project Gutenberg

Get ready in advance for prompt action against it by laying in a supply of the insecticide at the beginning of the summer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• pesticide