rotenone

[ roht-n-ohn ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble, poisonous heterocyclic compound, C 2 3 H 2 2 O 6 , obtained from derris root: used chiefly as the active ingredient of certain insecticides and in medicine in the treatment of chiggers and scabies.

rotenone

/ ˈrəʊtɪˌnəʊn /

noun

1. a white odourless crystalline substance extracted from the roots of derris: a powerful insecticide. Formula: C 23 H 22 O 6 ; relative density: 1.27; melting pt: 163°C

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotenone¹

1920–25; roten- (said to be < Japanese ) + -one

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotenone¹

C20: from Japanese rōten derris + -one

Example Sentences

A substance lethal to fish but approved by federal environmental regulators called rotenone will be disseminated starting Aug. 26.

From Seattle Times

Pesticides such as paraquat and rotenone that have been associated with Parkinson’s disease also leave that pathological signature in rodents.

From Science Magazine

Greenamyre realized he might be able to mimic the disease in rats by exposing them to rotenone.

From Science Magazine

One such study found more male rats develop Parkinson’s-like symptoms than female rats, even though both received the same level of contact with the insecticide rotenone.

From Washington Post

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to use the pesticide rotenone beginning Aug. 10 to kill fish in the North Fork of Spanish Creek and Chiquita and Big Brother lakes.

From Washington Times