pyrethroid

noun

py·​re·​throid pī-ˈrē-ˌthrȯid How to pronounce pyrethroid (audio) -ˈre- How to pronounce pyrethroid (audio)
: any of various synthetic compounds that are related to the pyrethrins and resemble them in insecticidal properties
pyrethroid adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The primary ingredient in Insect Shield (or any insect-repellent treatment for clothing) is permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that can be used to kill insects, including ticks, and acts as a repellent when applied to clothing. Nancy Jo Adams, Popular Mechanics, 22 Apr. 2023 Normally, mosquito control agencies use two pesticides to reduce adult mosquito populations: pyrethroids and organophosphates. Claire Gillespie, Health, 31 Mar. 2023 But in recent years, resistance to the insecticide used to treat nets, pyrethroid, has been spreading. Byscience News Staff, science.org, 23 Mar. 2023 The new nets are treated with pyrethroid and a second chemical called chlorfenapyr. Byscience News Staff, science.org, 23 Mar. 2023 Kasai noted that the mosquitoes with this mutation are unlikely to thrive in areas that do not use pyrethroid insecticides. Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 2022 Children on organic diets routeinely had pyrethroids in their systems, and the organic group actually had higher levels of several pyrethroid metabolites than the conventional one. Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2012 Please note that the product contains gamma-cyhalothrin, a potent broad-spectrum pyrethroid pesticide that will also kill other insects such as ants, fleas and roaches. Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 29 Apr. 2022 For many, application of a pyrethroid insecticide at precise timing for the species and its life cycle will help. Neil Sperry, San Antonio Express-News, 14 May 2021 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

pyrethrin + -oid

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrethroid was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near pyrethroid

Cite this Entry

“Pyrethroid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrethroid. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

pyrethroid

noun
: any of various synthetic compounds that are related to the pyrethrins and resemble them in insecticidal properties
pyrethroid adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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