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.

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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

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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

One of the circumstances that save us from extinction by parathion and the other chemicals of the organic-phosphate group is that they are decomposed rather rapidly.

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

The other group consists of the organic phosphorus insecticides, and is represented by the reasonably familiar malathion and parathion.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson