allethrin

[ al-uh-thrin ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a clear, amber, viscous liquid, C 19 H 26 O 3 , used as an insecticide.

allethrin

/ æˈlɛθrɪn /

noun

1. a clear viscous amber-coloured liquid used as an insecticide and synergist. Formula: C 19 H 26 O 3 ; relative density: 1.005

Word History and Origins

Origin of allethrin¹

1945–50; all(yl) + (pyr)ethrin, equivalent to Pyrethr(um) name of a genus of composite plants + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of allethrin¹

C20: from all ( yl ) + ( pyr ) ethrin

Example Sentences

The Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent is a sleek-looking metal column that uses a fuel cartridge to expel a compound called allethrin, a synthetic form of a natural repellent found in chrysanthemum plants.

From Slate

The active ingredient is allethrin, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring repellent found in chrysanthemum flowers.

From Seattle Times

The allethrin is soaked on a repellent mat that is heated up by a tiny flame fueled by a butane cartridge.

From Seattle Times

The flame warms the pad to the point where you might see a bit of smoke rising, which is the allethrin forming its protective bubble.

From Seattle Times

Thermacell lanterns and torches cost $20 to $60 and use heat-activated allethrin, which the company says is chemically similar to a repellent that naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers.

From Wall Street Journal