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

The peregrine falcon faced near-extinction in the UK in the 1950s before it was rescued by the banning of the pesticide DDT and stronger legal reinforcements. —Will Barker, TheWeek, 8 Jan. 2026

Data helped usher in legislation that banned the use of the insecticide, DDT. —Kim Bellware The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 28 Dec. 2025

In 1969, the Statesman editorialized in favor of banning DDT. —Idaho Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025

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

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