pesticide

[pes-tuh-sahyd]

noun

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

pesticide

/ ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd /

noun

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

pesticide

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

Other Word Forms

• pesticidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pesticide¹

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Means has assailed American agriculture firms and claimed pesticides and the Roundup weed-killer are increasing chronic illness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The inspections uncovered thousands of unlawfully disposed items, including pesticide containers with liquids, foams, baits, pellets and aerosol sprays.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Growing cardamom with the help of fertilisers and pesticides is hard enough, but some farmers are going a step further, by taking an organic approach to cultivation.

Read more on BBC

She and other commissioners pointed to illnesses from pesticide exposure as a key indicator of their success.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

California leaders take pride in the state’s stringent workplace safety laws that generally exceed federal regulations and include labor codes to protect underage workers, landmark outdoor heat safety standards and pesticide safety regulations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defoliant 
• fungicide 
• insecticide