pesticide

American  

[pes-tuh-sahyd] / ˈpɛs təˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical preparation for destroying plant, fungal, or animal pests.

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pesticide British  

/ ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical used for killing pests, esp insects and rodents

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pesticide Scientific  

/ pĕs′tĭ-sīd′ /

1. A chemical used to kill harmful animals or plants. Pesticides are used especially in agriculture and around areas where humans live. Some are harmful to humans, either from direct contact or as residue on food, or are harmful to the environment because of their high toxicity, such as DDT (which is now banned in many countries). Pesticides include fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides.

2. See more at fungicide herbicide insecticide

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Other Word Forms

• pesticidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of pesticide

First recorded in 1935–40; pest + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

Monsanto appealed, arguing this state law verdict is in conflict with federal law regulating pesticides.

From Los Angeles Times

The study also highlights the need to examine whether pests have developed resistance or detoxification strategies when biological pesticides are used.

From Science Daily

The Health Secretary has also used his bully pulpit to attack products he views as toxins, including pesticides and fluoride in water.

From The Wall Street Journal

Commission officials have already said they are ready to renegotiate the rules on trace elements of banned pesticides, which affect only a tiny fraction of produce sales in the bloc.

From Barron's

There’s also the issue of the sorts of pesticides that are used in conventional versus organic farming.

From Salon

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide