insecticide

[ in-sek-tuh-sahyd ]

noun

1. a substance or preparation used for killing insects.
2. the act of killing insects.

insecticide

/ ɪnˈsɛktɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance used to destroy insect pests

insecticide

/ ĭn-sĕk′tĭ-sīd′ /

1. A pesticide used to kill insects. Chlordane and DDT are insecticides.
2. Compare fungicide

Derived Forms

• inˌsectiˈcidal, adjective

Other Words From

• in·secti·cidal adjective
• nonin·secti·cidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insecticide¹

First recorded in 1860–65; insect + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

According to Stacey Leasca with Food & Wine, some of the identified pesticides included "widely used herbicides like 2,4-D and a mix of fungicides, insecticides, and a soil fumigant," as well as "three herbicides — trifluralin, cloransulam-methyl, diflufenzopyr — and one insecticide — thiamethoxam,"which could also have a link to prostate cancer.

From Salon

Carson focused much of the book on DDT, the first modern synthetic insecticide.

From Slate

People can also decide to treat their clothing, boots and camping gear with permethrin, an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes, according to the CDC.

From Los Angeles Times

Carson focused much of the book on DDT, the first modern synthetic insecticide.

From Slate

The order said that the filters are unregistered pesticides sold in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• pesticide