insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

plural insecticides

: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects

broadly : an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)

Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants.

—Horticulture

Examples of insecticide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Buckner applies a larvicide, an insecticide that kills immature mosquitoes or larvae, that contains the naturally occurring Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) to a water fountain in her yard every month. —Korin Miller, Outside Online, 30 Aug. 2024

To effectively get rid of wasps, use wasp-specific insecticides, such as aerosol sprays with long-range nozzles. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024

Limit insecticide use to only when damage is noted. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2024

Many of these types of products contain oil as the insecticide which can burn the foliage of the plants. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 22 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: a chemical used to kill insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

insecticide

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​cide in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 

: an agent that destroys insects

insecticidal

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl 

adjective