malathion

noun

mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌma-lə-ˈthī-ən 

-ˌän

: an organophosphate broad-spectrum insecticide C₁₀H₁₉O₆PS₂ that is considerably less toxic to mammals than parathion

Examples of malathion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include benzyl benzoate lotion, malathion lotion, and lindane lotion.107 Oral Medications People sometimes need oral medication alone or in combination with a topical medication to treat scabies. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 22 Mar. 2025

He was hit by the malathion, his lawsuit claimed, and went blind. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024

In their next home, they were sprayed by the pesticide malathion. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024

But making the plant respond differently to each chemical—like blue for acephate and purple for malathion—is much harder. —WIRED, 30 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

from Malathion, a trademark

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

malathion

noun

mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌmal-ə-ˈthī-ən 

-ˌän

: a poisonous insecticide that is broken down in nature

Medical Definition

malathion

noun

mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌmal-ə-ˈthī-ən, -ˌän 

: a thiophosphate insecticide C₁₀H₁₉O₆PS₂ with a lower mammalian toxicity than parathion