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

Environmental groups Thursday raised the alarm after finding toxic "pesticide cocktails" in apples sold across Europe, in a new study highlighting widespread contamination.

From Barron's

Every now and then, there was a line about pesticides or “veterinary chemicals.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The authors also note concerns about pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microplastics found in tea.

From Science Daily

While chemical pesticides remain the primary control tool, the Global Locust Initiative is working to identify alternatives that are safer for people and the environment.

From Science Daily

He adds that he saves on pesticide spray since the nozzles only turn on when weeds are detected, as opposed to the kind of blanket spraying he used to do.

From BBC

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide