insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

plural insecticides

: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects

broadly : an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)

Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants.

—Horticulture

Examples of insecticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While traditional farming methods avoid insecticides and fertilizers, the soccer fields are another story. —Mariana Martínez Barba and Julitàn Trejo Bax, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024

Pest control professionals sprayed the affected areas with insecticides on Oct 21., followed by a final spray on Oct. 23. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024

For years, wildlife officials and researchers have engaged in a small-scale biological war against the plague, spreading insecticides to kill the fleas and vaccinating prairie dogs and ferrets. —Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 23 Sep. 2024

Her flowers are grown without pesticides, insecticides or chemical fertilizers. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: a chemical used to kill insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: an agent that destroys insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective