organophosphate

noun

or·​gan·​o·​phos·​phate ˌȯr-gə-nō-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce organophosphate (audio)
ȯr-ˌga-nō-
: an organophosphorus compound (such as a pesticide)
organophosphate adjective

Examples of organophosphate 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.
But those perfect plants don’t grow that way without assistance; they are sprayed routinely with fungicides and insecticides, especially organophosphates, which kill insects by interfering with their nervous systems. Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2025 Traditional farms may deploy toxic chemicals like organophosphates and organochlorines, while organic farms prefer to keep damaging bugs in check by encouraging the growth of their natural enemies, including particular beetles, spiders and birds. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The new analysis focuses on two groups of chemicals — organophosphates and some carbamates — that are commonly used in insecticides. Evan Bush, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2023 Many organophosphate pesticides are chemically similar enough to bind to the same modified receptor. WIRED, 30 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for organophosphate 

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of organophosphate was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near organophosphate

Cite this Entry

“Organophosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organophosphate. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

organophosphate

noun
or·​gan·​o·​phos·​phate ȯr-ˌgan-ə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce organophosphate (audio)
: an organophosphorus compound
organophosphate adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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