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

Carson’s report was revelatory in its time: It was used in congressional testimony that led to a ban on DDT, and it was cited during the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency. —Heather Hansman, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025

The Case of the Thinning Eggshells Matthew Wills October 24, 2019 How the proliferation of pesticides like DDT almost undid the Peregrine falcon. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025

Priest retaliated by attacking McIntyre after breaking through security, but McIntyre regained control, delivering a DDT on the steel steps and stealing Priest's necklace. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025

The iconic American bird was almost wiped out in the 1960s due to the pesticide DDT, which poisoned the eagles and made their eggs weak and flimsy. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024

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