parathion

American  

[par-uh-thahy-on] / ˌpær əˈθaɪ ɒn /

noun

Chemistry.

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

---

parathion British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of parathion

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

Example Sentences

When 6PPD reacts with ground-level ozone, it transforms into 6PPD-q — second only to the chemical war agent parathion in its toxicity to aquatic species.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023

Yet some six million pounds of parathion are now applied annually to fields, orchards, and vineyards of the United States—by hand sprayers, by motorized blowers and dusters, and by airplane.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

Colombia bans use of methyl parathion — one of the two pesticides Ms. Grayson mentioned — and effectively bans use of the other, aldicarb, on flowers, as well.

From Washington Post • May 15, 2015

The EPA cancelled the registrations of ethylene dibromide, 2,4,5-T, dieldrin, and parathion, Milbourn said.

From Scientific American • Oct. 6, 2014

This chemical, like parathion and its relatives, destroys the protective enzyme cholinesterase.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson