methoprene

[meth-uh-preen]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a synthetic insect juvenile hormone, C 1 9 H 3 4 O 3 , used as a biological pesticide primarily on mosquito and fly larvae to prevent maturing to the adult state.

Word History and Origins

Origin of methoprene¹

1970–75; probably metho(xy-) + pr(opyl) + -ene

Example Sentences

When the researchers treated the larvae of these species with a growth hormone called methoprene, the larvae developed into supersoldiers.

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Then the researchers dabbed methoprene on the larvae of species that don't usually make supersoldiers.

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Terry Backer, a former lobsterman, arranged a meeting of fishermen who asked state lawmakers to urge neighboring New York state to stop using methoprene, a pesticide used to kill mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus.

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