Bt

1 of 2

noun

: a preparation of a bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) often modified by genetic engineering for use as a biopesticide against insects and especially lepidopteran larvae
also : the bacterium itself

Bt

2 of 2

abbreviation

baronet

Examples of Bt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Finally, if the caterpillar infestation becomes too extensive, Dr. Ghimire recommends Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is a biological control for Lepidoptera species of moths and butterflies. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2024 Mosquito Bits contain the biological pesticide Bt, which kills worms, caterpillars (so be careful with it around pollinator plants) and mosquito larvae. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024 That will reduce global emissions by 8.3 Bt CO2, equivalent to 22% of emissions today. Wood MacKenzie, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin Bacillus thuringiensis, species name, literally, Thuringian bacillus

First Known Use

Noun

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bt was in 1971

Dictionary Entries Near Bt

Cite this Entry

“Bt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bt. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

BT

abbreviation
1
bedtime
2
brain tumor
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!