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

Iowa State said spraying pyrethroid insecticides such as Permethrin or Esfenvalerate on the outside of buildings when the beetles appear may help prevent pest entry, especially for large infestations. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024

That’s because cockroaches have a high degree of insecticide resistance.4 Look for a different active ingredient (preferably in a different class of insecticides), not just a different product, says Oi. Product rotation slows down the development of insecticide resistance. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024

Innovation in insecticides reached new heights in the 1950s, along with government enthusiasm to deploy the chemicals. —Salama Udaipurwala, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024

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

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