permethrin

noun

per·​meth·​rin (ˌ)pər-ˈme-thrən How to pronounce permethrin (audio)
: a synthetic pyrethroid C21H20Cl2O3 used especially as an insecticide

Examples of permethrin 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.
However, do not ever spray permethrin directly on your skin.10 4. Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Complicating matters further is the fact that lice appear to have evolved some resistance to pyrethrin and permethrin, the active ingredients in many over-the-counter lice shampoos. Anna North, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 People can also decide to treat their clothing, boots and camping gear with permethrin, an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes, according to the CDC. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024 Consider using the insecticide permethrin on your clothing, shoes, and gear. Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for permethrin 

Word History

Etymology

per- + methyl + pyrethrin

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of permethrin was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near permethrin

Cite this Entry

“Permethrin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permethrin. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

permethrin

noun
per·​meth·​rin pər-ˈmeth-rən How to pronounce permethrin (audio)
: a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide C21H20Cl2O3 used especially against insects, ticks, and mites

More from Merriam-Webster on permethrin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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