pyrethroid

noun

py·​re·​throid pī-ˈrē-ˌthrȯid How to pronounce pyrethroid (audio) -ˈre- How to pronounce pyrethroid (audio)
: any of various synthetic compounds that are related to the pyrethrins and resemble them in insecticidal properties
pyrethroid adjective

Examples of pyrethroid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Children and infants are the most vulnerable group to pyrethroids. Kate Oczypok, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023 However, mosquito sprays that many residential control companies use contain pyrethroids. Kate Oczypok, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023 Runoff from these sprays can wash from yards into surface waters, and pets exposed to pyrethroids can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Kate Oczypok, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023 Children on organic diets routeinely had pyrethroids in their systems, and the organic group actually had higher levels of several pyrethroid metabolites than the conventional one. Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2012 Use them sparingly, and only if necessary; most feature pyrethrins or their synthetic version, pyrethroids. Brett Martin, Popular Mechanics, 17 May 2023 The primary ingredient in Insect Shield (or any insect-repellent treatment for clothing) is permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that can be used to kill insects, including ticks, and acts as a repellent when applied to clothing. Nancy Jo Adams, Popular Mechanics, 22 Apr. 2023 Normally, mosquito control agencies use two pesticides to reduce adult mosquito populations: pyrethroids and organophosphates. Claire Gillespie, Health, 31 Mar. 2023 But in recent years, resistance to the insecticide used to treat nets, pyrethroid, has been spreading. Byscience News Staff, science.org, 23 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pyrethroid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

pyrethrin + -oid

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrethroid was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near pyrethroid

Cite this Entry

“Pyrethroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrethroid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

pyrethroid

noun
: any of various synthetic compounds that are related to the pyrethrins and resemble them in insecticidal properties
pyrethroid adjective
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