DDT

noun

ˌdē-(ˌ)dē-ˈtē 

: a colorless odorless water-insoluble insecticide C₁₄H₉Cl₅ that is an aromatic organochlorine banned in the U.S. that tends to accumulate and persist in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates

Examples of DDT in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1962, the marine biologist Rachel Carson was widely credited with playing a key role in launching the conservationist movement with her book Silent Spring, a work which ultimately led to the outright ban of the pesticide DDT and the formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). —Mary Foley, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

This work highlighted the environmental damage caused by pesticides, particularly DDT, and is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement. —Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024

The chemical industry, facing a DDT ban, quickly developed much safer pesticides. —Alexander E. Gates, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024

One of the eagles is blind in one eye after suffering from DDT poisoning, which means staff had to add perches and stumps lower to the ground in its enclosure and move logs that could be tripping hazards, Mr. Barnes said. —Jaimie Ding and Jae Hong, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

dichlor- + diphenyl + trichlor- (from tri- + chlor-)

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

DDT

noun

ˌdēd-(ˌ)ē-ˈtē 

: a colorless formerly used insecticide that is poisonous to many animals with backbones

Medical Definition

DDT

noun

ˌdē-(ˌ)dē-ˈtē 

: a colorless odorless water-insoluble crystalline insecticide C₁₄H₉Cl₅ that tends to accumulate in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates

called also chlorophenothane, dicophane