rotenone

American  

[roht-n-ohn] / ˈroʊt nˌoʊn /

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble, poisonous heterocyclic compound, C 2 3 H 2 2 O 6 , obtained from derris root: used chiefly as the active ingredient of certain insecticides and in medicine in the treatment of chiggers and scabies.

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rotenone British  

/ ˈrəʊtɪˌnəʊn /

noun

1. a white odourless crystalline substance extracted from the roots of derris: a powerful insecticide. Formula: C 23 H 22 O 6 ; relative density: 1.27; melting pt: 163°C

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Etymology

Origin of rotenone

1920–25; roten- (said to be < Japanese ) + -one

Example Sentences

A substance lethal to fish but approved by federal environmental regulators called rotenone will be disseminated starting Aug. 26.

From Seattle Times

Pesticides such as paraquat and rotenone that have been associated with Parkinson’s disease also leave that pathological signature in rodents.

From Science Magazine

But the classical inhibitor of this vital mitochondrial enzyme was a pesticide used by home vegetable gardeners called rotenone.

From Science Magazine

Human studies have linked exposure to the herbicide paraquat and the pesticide rotenone to Parkinson’s, as well as to the industrial solvent trichloroethylene.

From Washington Post

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to use the pesticide rotenone beginning Aug. 10 to kill fish in the North Fork of Spanish Creek and Chiquita and Big Brother lakes.

From Washington Times