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

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

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

The work is part of a larger project with researchers across the region to assess the San Pedro Basin sites, where decades of dumping chemicals like DDT and other pollutants have raised environmental and human health risks. —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