pyrethrin

noun

py·​re·​thrin pī-ˈrē-thrən How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio) -ˈre- How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio)
: either of two oily liquid esters C21H28O3 and C22H28O5 having insecticidal properties and occurring especially in the flowers of pyrethrum

Examples of pyrethrin 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.
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 Look for products containing ingredients such as pyrethrin, bifenthrin, or carbaryl. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2024 According to the county, the pesticide is an ultra-low volume spray of pyrethrin or pyrethroids, which is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 26 July 2024 Also, research shows that lice have built up resistance to many popular over-the-counter lice products that contain permethrin and pyrethrin, which are insecticides. Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024 Look for shampoos that contain ingredients like pyrethrin or permethrin, which are known to be effective against fleas at all stages of their life cycle. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023 Similar to permethrin lotion, pyrethrins don't kill unhatched eggs, so a second treatment is usually recommended 9 days after the first. USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Use them sparingly, and only if necessary; most feature pyrethrins or their synthetic version, pyrethroids. Brett Martin, Popular Mechanics, 17 May 2023 This seasonal favorite contains many different toxins, including pyrethrins, which can cause GI upset, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 22 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin pyrethrum

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrethrin was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near pyrethrin

Cite this Entry

“Pyrethrin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrethrin. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

pyrethrin

noun
py·​re·​thrin pī-ˈrē-thrən How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio) -ˈreth-rən How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio)
: either of two oily liquid esters C21H28O3 and C22H28O5 that have insecticidal properties and are the active components of pyrethrum

More from Merriam-Webster on pyrethrin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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