piperonyl butoxide

noun

pi·​per·​o·​nyl bu·​tox·​ide pī-ˈper-ə-ˌnil-byu̇-ˈtäk-ˌsīd 

-nᵊl-

: an insecticide C₁₉H₃₀O₅

especially : an oily liquid containing this compound that is used chiefly as a synergist (as for pyrethrin insecticides)

Examples of piperonyl butoxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This dog shampoo also contains pyrethrins, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers, and piperonyl butoxide, which synergistically increase the effectiveness of the pyrethrins. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2022

Look for piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract. —Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2023

This dog shampoo contains pyrethrins, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers, and piperonyl butoxide, which synergistically increase the effectiveness of the pyrethrins. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends over-the-counter medications such as pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide or permethrin lotion. —Mckenzie Sadeghi, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2016

For pubic lice, lice-killing lotions that contain active ingredients called permethrin, pyrethrins, or piperonyl butoxide, can be applied to the area. —Sarah Bradley, Health.com, 24 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

piperonal + -yl + butyl + oxide

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

piperonyl butoxide

noun

pi·​per·​o·​nyl bu·​tox·​ide pī-ˈper-ə-ˌnil-byu̇-ˈtäk-ˌsīd, -ən-ᵊl- 

: an insecticide C₁₉H₃₀O₅ that has the capacity to alter the pharmacological action of some drugs

also : an oily liquid containing this compound that is used chiefly as a synergist (as for pyrethrum insecticides)