spermicide

[spur-muh-sahyd]

noun

1. a sperm-killing agent, especially a commercial birth-control preparation, usually a cream or jelly.

spermicide

/ ˈspɜːmɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. any drug or other agent that kills spermatozoa

spermicide

1. An agent that kills spermatozoa, especially one that is used as a contraceptive.

Other Word Forms

• spermicidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spermicide¹

First recorded in 1925–30; sperm ¹ + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

Over time, IUDs were tweaked and refined, notably with the introduction of copper, which acts as a spermicide.

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Furthermore, spermicide can erode the cell membranes of the vaginal wall, according to the World Health Organization, which could make frequent users more prone to contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection.

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"She put the cap into a tin box and gave me a tube of the spermicide and said to come back if there were any difficulties."

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Also, the use of anabolic steroids for bodybuilding will lower spermicide counts dramatically.

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"It's important that you don't use spermicide or lots of lubricants in the 24 hours before the test, because it can interfere with the test itself," says Dr Kaye.

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