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

There are excellent insecticides for individual mound treatments and area-wide baits. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2024

The severe economic crisis in Cuba makes fighting the disease difficult because of daily blackouts, shortages of medications and medical supplies in hospitals and the lack of affordability and availability of products like insecticides or mesh nets. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 30 May 2024

Traditional methods, such as large-scale insecticide use, have clearly proven inadequate in addressing the magnitude of the problem. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024

Lower-toxicity insecticides can be used as a last resort, though check with local government rules about applications to turf since some areas restrict pesticide use on home lawns. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 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