preemergent

Or pre-e·mer·gent

[pree-i-mur-juhnt]

adjective

Horticulture.

1. of or relating to seedlings before they emerge or appear above ground.

   a preemergent weed-killer.

noun

1. a preemergence chemical, as a herbicide.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemergent¹

First recorded in 1955–60; pre- + emergent

Example Sentences

Bare patches in the lawn can be cultivated and seeded in early spring, but be aware that preemergent herbicides applied now will impede grass seed germination.

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In the spray was a preemergent that would carry over into spring to help with weed control.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive