spermicide

noun

sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (such as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm
spermicidal adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web When used by itself, spermicide is not as effective as other over-the-counter birth control methods. Dawn Stacey, Phd, Lmhc, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2023 Other barrier methods such as diaphragms, sponges, internal condoms or spermicide were less commonly used and made up less than 1 percent of contraception use. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022 It must be used with spermicide, and is available by prescription only. Julie Washington, cleveland, 11 July 2022 Condoms, withdrawal, the Sponge, fertility awareness (rhythm method) and spermicide — which can be among the less effective forms of pregnancy prevention — are not included. Julie Washington, cleveland, 11 July 2022 Additionally, spermicide, which is found in some lubes, is a pretty harsh, potentially irritating ingredient to be rubbing onto your face. Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 21 Nov. 2021 Additionally, spermicide, which is found in some lubes, is a pretty harsh, potentially irritating ingredient to be rubbing onto your face. Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 21 Nov. 2021 Additionally, spermicide, which is found in some lubes, is a pretty harsh, potentially irritating ingredient to be rubbing onto your face. Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 21 Nov. 2021 Additionally, spermicide, which is found in some lubes, is a pretty harsh, potentially irritating ingredient to be rubbing onto your face. Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 21 Nov. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spermicide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spermicide was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near spermicide

Cite this Entry

“Spermicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spermicide. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

spermicide

noun
sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsid How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (as in a contraceptive) used to kill sperm

Medical Definition

spermicide

noun
sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm

called also spermatocide

More from Merriam-Webster on spermicide

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