DDT

noun

ˌdē-(ˌ)dē-ˈtē 

: a colorless odorless water-insoluble insecticide C₁₄H₉Cl₅ that is an aromatic organochlorine banned in the U.S. that tends to accumulate and persist in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates

Examples of DDT in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After a bit of in-ring action, Zaria went out to check on her friend, and Blake grabbed her for a Glamour Shot DDT. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

Though the ancient species once soared over most of the continent, by the mid-20th century, the population of condors had dramatically declined due to habitat degradation, lead poisoning, shooting and the use of DDT pesticide. —John Leos, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025

In the 1940s, San Antonio faced outbreaks so severe that the U.S. military stepped in with citywide DDT spraying to kill rats and fleas. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025

The area is significantly polluted with DDT, a chemical used as an insecticide that was banned in 1972. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

dichlor- + diphenyl + trichlor- (from tri- + chlor-)

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

DDT

noun

ˌdēd-(ˌ)ē-ˈtē 

: a colorless formerly used insecticide that is poisonous to many animals with backbones

Medical Definition

DDT

noun

ˌdē-(ˌ)dē-ˈtē 

: a colorless odorless water-insoluble crystalline insecticide C₁₄H₉Cl₅ that tends to accumulate in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates

called also chlorophenothane, dicophane