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
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An insecticide used to disinfect hospitals and dog kennels was found in the testing of vapes
The insecticide, pymetrozine, is a carcinogen banned in Europe and was once used in Lysol.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
Several affordable insecticide treatments fend off the emerald ash borer and can be sprayed onto trees.
—Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
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
The gardener’s insecticide that killed the aphids on the roses, releasing the old, rich, scented breeze that had infected him with self-confidence.
—Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide 
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Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
Several affordable insecticide treatments fend off the emerald ash borer and can be sprayed onto trees.
—Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
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
The gardener’s insecticide that killed the aphids on the roses, releasing the old, rich, scented breeze that had infected him with self-confidence.
—Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide
Dictionary Entries Near insecticide
Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
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