: 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 In 1962, the marine biologist Rachel Carson was widely credited with playing a key role in launching the conservationist movement with her book Silent Spring, a work which ultimately led to the outright ban of the pesticide DDT and the formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mary Foley, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 This work highlighted the environmental damage caused by pesticides, particularly DDT, and is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024 The chemical industry, facing a DDT ban, quickly developed much safer pesticides. Alexander E. Gates, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 One of the eagles is blind in one eye after suffering from DDT poisoning, which means staff had to add perches and stumps lower to the ground in its enclosure and move logs that could be tripping hazards, Mr. Barnes said. Jaimie Ding and Jae Hong, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for DDT 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'DDT.' 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

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

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DDT was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near DDT

Cite this Entry

“DDT.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DDT. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

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

Medical Definition

: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on DDT

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