preemergent

or pre-e·mer·gent

[ pree-i-mur-juhnt ]

adjective

, Horticulture.

1. of or relating to seedlings before they emerge or appear above ground:

   a preemergent weed-killer.

noun

1. a preemergence chemical, as a herbicide.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemergent¹

First recorded in 1955–60; pre- + emergent

Example Sentences

Bare patches in the lawn can be cultivated and seeded in early spring, but be aware that preemergent herbicides applied now will impede grass seed germination.

From Washington Post

In the spray was a preemergent that would carry over into spring to help with weed control.

From Time Magazine Archive