parathion

[ par-uh-thahy-on ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a deep-brown to yellow, poisonous liquid, C 1 0 H 1 4 NO 5 PS, used as an insecticide.

parathion

/ ˌpærəˈθaɪɒn /

noun

1. a slightly water-soluble toxic oil, odourless and colourless when pure, used as an insecticide. Formula: C 10 H 14 NO 5 PS

Word History and Origins

Origin of parathion¹

First recorded in 1945–50; para- ¹ + thi- + -on(e)

Word History and Origins

Origin of parathion¹

C20: from para- ¹+ thio- + -on

Example Sentences

When I went through the original parathion sprayed plot there was well over half that had some live nymphs.

From Project Gutenberg