attractant

[ uh-trak-tuhnt ]

noun

1. an attracting agent or substance; lure:

   the sex attractant of the cockroach;

   a synthetic attractant used to bait insect traps.

attractant

/ əˈtræktənt /

noun

1. a substance that attracts, esp a chemical ( sex attractant ) produced by an insect and attracting insects of the same species See also pheromone

Word History and Origins

Origin of attractant¹

First recorded in 1810–15; attract + -ant

Example Sentences

The unusual use most of us are likely aware of is as a fish attractant.

From Popular-Science

The odorous attractant of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.).

From Project Gutenberg