autocidal

adjective

au·​to·​ci·​dal
: controlling or eradicating populations of noxious insects (such as the screwworm) by reducing their capacity to produce viable or fertile offspring (as by the introduction of sterile males)
autocidal procedures
autocidal effects

Word History

Etymology

aut- + -cide + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autocidal was in 1960

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Dictionary Entries Near autocidal

Cite this Entry

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

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