Definition of malathion
: an organophosphate broad-spectrum insecticide C10H19O6PS2 that is considerably less toxic to mammals than parathion
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of malathion from the Web
-
Sold as Dibrom, naled is an organophosphate, a category of chemicals that also includes malathion; both are widely used to control mosquitoes.
-
According to the CDC, the mosquitoes carrying the disease in Puerto Rico became resistant to the first-choice pesticide permethrin and also to malathion.
-
DDT, methoxychlor, malathion, phenothiazine, and various dinitro compounds are among the pesticides that have been found to inhibit one or more of the enzymes concerned in the cycle of oxidation.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'malathion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of malathion
from Malathion, a trademark
Medical Dictionary
malathion
playMedical Definition of malathion
: a thiophosphate insecticide C10H19O6PS2 with a lower mammalian toxicity than parathion
Learn More about malathion
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about malathion
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up malathion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!