malathion

American  

[mal-uh-thahy-on, ‑uhn] / ˌmæl əˈθaɪ ɒn, ‑ən /

noun

1. an organic phosphate insecticide, C 10 H 19 O 6 S 2 P, of relatively low toxicity for mammals.

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Malathion British  

/ ˌmæləˈθaɪɒn /

noun

1. a yellow organophosphorus insecticide used as a dust or mist for the control of house flies and garden pests. Formula: C 10 H 19 O 6 PS 2

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Etymology

Origin of malathion

First recorded in 1953

Example Sentences

A woman driving her 5-day-old Nissan Maxima was caught in a malathion shower on her way home to Rowland Heights, where her equally new car cover awaited.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2024

In the meantime, the young people of the California Conservation Corps were the ones on the ground in the quarantine zone, stripping off fruit, hand-spraying with the malathion recipe.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2024

But with both acephate and malathion, the agency is now proposing to remove that extra layer of protection.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2024

In its proposals to increase the allowable amount of both acephate and malathion on food, the EPA also had to look past other potentially concerning test results.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2024

If, however, something destroys this enzyme or interferes with its action, the person exposed to malathion receives the full force of the poison.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson