defoliant

[ dee-foh-lee-uhnt ]

noun

1. a preparation for defoliating plants.

defoliant

/ diːˈfəʊlɪənt /

noun

1. a chemical sprayed or dusted onto trees to cause their leaves to fall, esp to remove cover from an enemy in warfare

Word History and Origins

Origin of defoliant¹

First recorded in 1940–45; defoli(ate) + -ant

Example Sentences

The cause was Parkinson’s disease, which his family said resulted from exposure to Agent Orange, the toxic chemical sprayed by American aircraft as a defoliant in Vietnam.

From New York Times

Some deforestation can be traced back to the Vietnam War, when forests were sprayed with the toxic defoliant known as Agent Orange.

From National Geographic

Parkinson’s disease, an inner ear disorder and other neurological problems, all likely caused by the Vietnam vet’s exposure to the infamous defoliant Agent Orange, made it difficult for him to move.

From Seattle Times

Many of the veterans had long complained about health problems they said were caused by the Agent Orange defoliant the American military used during the war.

From New York Times

I look over just as Javier’s grips his hand to steady a tremble, then slides the toxin casually to the opposite side of the bench with the defoliant.

From Literature

Related Words

• fungicide
• insecticide
• pesticide