DEET

noun

variants or deet
: a colorless oily liquid insect and tick repellent C12H17NO
For the best protection against both mosquitoes and ticks, the CDC recommends products containing DEET.Kiera Butler
A repellent with deet is considered the most effective against ticks.Robert H. Boyle

Word History

Etymology

probably from d. e. t., from di- + ethyl + toluamide (C8H9NO)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DEET was in 1961

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“DEET.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DEET. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

deet

noun
often all capitalized
: a colorless oily liquid insect and tick repellent C12H17NO
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!