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
Assembly Bill 1963 — a bill seeking to ban the use of paraquat in California — is working its way through the state Legislature and will be heard by the Senate Appropriations committee in August.
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
“In California, paraquat helps farmers control weeds in important crops, removing hazards for field work and preventing weeds from taking water and nutrients from crops.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024
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.
