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

It's often used in tandem with spermicide—a topical contraceptive that kills sperm.1 Diaphragms appeal to many people for their convenience and lack of hormones. —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