acephate

noun

ac·​e·​phate ˈa-sə-ˌfāt 

: an organophosphate insecticide C₄H₁₀NO₃PS that is used to control insects (such as aphids and thrips) on cultivated crops and ornamental plants

Orthene, the brand name for acephate, is both a contact spray and a systemic organophosphate that acts as a nerve poison.

—Anne Raver, New York Times, 2 Apr. 1992

Note: Acephate is typically available as a powder, dust, or spray or as granules. Like other organophosphate insecticides, acephate functions by inhibiting the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Word History

Etymology

probably from acetyl + phosphoramidothioate, parts of its earlier systematic name

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

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