pesticide

[ pes-tuh-sahyd ]

noun

1. a chemical preparation for destroying plant, fungal, or animal pests.

pesticide

/ ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a chemical used for killing pests, esp insects and rodents

pesticide

/ pĕs′tĭ-sīd′ /

1. A chemical used to kill harmful animals or plants. Pesticides are used especially in agriculture and around areas where humans live. Some are harmful to humans, either from direct contact or as residue on food, or are harmful to the environment because of their high toxicity, such as DDT (which is now banned in many countries). Pesticides include fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides.
2. See more at fungicide

Derived Forms

• ˌpestiˈcidal, adjective

Other Words From

• pesti·cidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pesticide¹

First recorded in 1935–40; pest + -i- + -cide

Related Words

• defoliant
• fungicide
• insecticide