herbicide

[ hur-buh-sahyd, ur- ]

noun

1. a substance or preparation for killing plants, especially weeds.

herbicide

/ ˈhɜːbɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical that destroys plants, esp one used to control weeds

herbicide

/ hûr′bĭ-sīd′,ûr′- /

1. A pesticide used to kill weeds. Paraquat is a herbicide.
2. Compare fungicide

Derived Forms

• ˌherbiˈcidal, adjective

Other Words From

• herbi·cidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of herbicide¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; herb + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

Assembly Bill 1963 would sundown the use of the herbicide paraquat, which has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and other health issues, beginning in January 2026.

From Los Angeles Times

The bill’s legislative analysis notes that at least 10 epidemiological studies have linked paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease, including a 2019 meta-analysis of 13 studies that found exposure to the herbicide was associated with a 1.64-fold increase in the risk of the disease.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the final legislation has been amended so that it now will require the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to complete a reevaluation of the herbicide by Jan. 1, 2029, and determine whether to retain, cancel or suspend its registration, or to create new restrictions.

From Los Angeles Times

For a few oils, one herbicide is a particular concern.

From Salon

The vast majority of soy, corn and canola in the U.S. comes from plants that have been genetically modified to resist the herbicide glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup.

From Salon

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide
• pesticide