spermicide

1 of 2

noun

sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd 

: a preparation or substance (such as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm

spermicidal

ˌspər-mə-ˈsī-dəl 

adjective

spermatocidal

2 of 2

adjective

sper·​mato·​ci·​dal

(ˌ)spər¦matə¦sīdᵊl, 

¦spərmət-

variants or spermicidal

¦spərmə¦sīdᵊl 

: capable of killing or used to kill spermatozoa

Examples of spermicide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Plus, experts encourage using spermicide with a diaphragm to raise this contraception’s efficacy, which can cause the aforementioned irritation issues. — Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025

The Biden administration’s proposal would cover all over-the-counter contraception products, including condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024

Also, spermicide can get messy, and the diaphragm needs to be cleaned and stored correctly. — Wendy Wisner, Health, 27 July 2024

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, spermicide is only 28% effective when used alone. — Emily Shiffer, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

spermat-, sperm- + -cidal

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spermicide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Kids Definition

spermicide

noun

sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsid 

: a preparation or substance (as in a contraceptive) used to kill sperm

Medical Definition

spermicide

noun

sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd 

: a preparation or substance (as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm

called also spermatocide