insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 
plural insecticides
: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects
broadly
: an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)
Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants. —
Horticulture
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Permethrin is another insecticide that can be used to treat clothing or gear to repel mosquitoes when sprayed in an 0.5% concentration.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 7 July 2024
Also, research shows that lice have built up resistance to many popular over-the-counter lice products that contain permethrin and pyrethrin, which are insecticides.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Entomologists attribute the resurgence to the end of the DDT era—the infamous insecticide dramatically cut global insect pest numbers in the mid to late 20th century, before serious environmental and health concerns ended its use, and species started to develop resistance.
—Alena Botros, Fortune Europe, 22 June 2024
The insecticide is mixed with water in a watering can or bucket.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide 
Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 7 July 2024
Also, research shows that lice have built up resistance to many popular over-the-counter lice products that contain permethrin and pyrethrin, which are insecticides.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Entomologists attribute the resurgence to the end of the DDT era—the infamous insecticide dramatically cut global insect pest numbers in the mid to late 20th century, before serious environmental and health concerns ended its use, and species started to develop resistance.
—Alena Botros, Fortune Europe, 22 June 2024
The insecticide is mixed with water in a watering can or bucket.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for insecticide
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insecticide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
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