organophosphate

noun

or·​gan·​o·​phos·​phate ˌȯr-gə-nō-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

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

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Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

organophosphate

noun

or·​gan·​o·​phos·​phate ȯr-ˌgan-ə-ˈfäs-ˌfāt 

: an organophosphorus compound

organophosphate adjective