1960–65; para- 1 + quat(ernary), in reference to the bond between the two pyridyl groups, which is in the para position with respect to their quaternary nitrogen atoms
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“We paid thousands of dollars to have it analyzed. … I mean, the paraquat thing was totally scientifically wrong.”
From Slate ● Dec. 23, 2025
The federal government banned the use of the weedkiller paraquat on golf courses in 2021.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025
Dacthal was first registered for use in the United States in 1958, paraquat in 1964 and glyphosate in 1974.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2024
Weller noted that there are more than 130 pesticides used in California that are not approved in the European Union, including paraquat, which is banned in about 60 countries.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2024
“We would like to stress that paraquat is safe when used as directed,” Das said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2024
Paraquat is a herbicide commonly used on farms and in yards for weed control.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025
Paraquat is banned in more than 60 countries.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2024
He said: "The arguments against Paraquat are piling up."
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2024
Leading expert Professor Bas Bloem, director of the Radboudumc Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders in the Netherlands, insisted that "scientists across the globe are convinced Paraquat is a cause of Parkinson's."
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2024
Paraquat is 28 times more toxic than another controversial herbicide, Roundup, according to a report from the Pesticide Action Network.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 20, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
