organophosphate

noun

or·​gan·​o·​phos·​phate ˌȯr-gə-nō-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce organophosphate (audio)
ȯr-ˌga-nō-
: an organophosphorus compound (such as a pesticide)
organophosphate adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Normally, mosquito control agencies use two pesticides to reduce adult mosquito populations: pyrethroids and organophosphates. Claire Gillespie, Health, 31 Mar. 2023 Both are organophosphates that are toxic to the human nervous system, especially children’s developing brains. Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 15 Mar. 2023 Acephate, phosmet and malathion are organophosphates, which interfere with the normal function of the nervous system, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 15 Mar. 2023 Both had concerning concentrations of organophosphate insecticides. Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 15 Mar. 2023 As the use of PBDEs waned, organophosphate flame retardants were on the rise. Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2019 Lying on the table and breathing in fresh air, Killingsworth thought back to the morning seven years ago when his office was sprayed with Dursban, a potent organophosphate pesticide that has been banned for indoor use since 2000. Jill Neimark, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2013 Some require as little as 6 grams per hectare, compared with several kilograms of the older organophosphate and carbonate pesticides. Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, 1 Apr. 2021 Primarily, the concern has to do with organophosphate insecticides that the EWG says can impact children's cognitive development, and has been largely banned overseas. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 17 Mar. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'organophosphate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of organophosphate was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near organophosphate

Cite this Entry

“Organophosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organophosphate. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

organophosphate

noun
or·​gan·​o·​phos·​phate ȯr-ˌgan-ə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt How to pronounce organophosphate (audio)
: an organophosphorus compound
organophosphate adjective
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