crop-dusting

American  

[krop-duhs-ting] / ˈkrɒpˌdʌs tɪŋ /

noun

1. the spraying of powdered fungicides or insecticides on crops, usually from an airplane.

---

crop-dusting British  

noun

1. the spreading of fungicide, etc on crops in the form of dust, often from an aircraft

---

Usage

What else does crop-dusting mean? In slang, crop-dusting is the act of moving while passing gas, usually silently, thereby “dusting” other people or an area with the gas.

Example Sentences

As Vail's research shows, many crop-dusting pilots and university agricultural scientists were well aware of how little they knew about how these new tools actually worked.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2022

Though largely foiled, Prince’s plans are a reminder of how crop-dusting planes are especially risky pieces of military technology when it comes to international law and human rights issues in conflict.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2022

And let’s not forget the memorable character actors beefing up the supporting roles, from Brent Spiner’s Area 51 scientist to Randy Quaid’s crop-dusting pilot.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2022

Supporters at a rally last month complained of a crop-dusting drone spraying urine from overhead.

From Reuters • Jul. 13, 2022

Sometimes the ponds receive not only contaminated runoff but also a direct dose as crop-dusting pilots neglect to shut off the duster in passing over a pond.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson