malathion

noun

mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌma-lə-ˈthī-ən How to pronounce malathion (audio)
-ˌän
: an organophosphate broad-spectrum insecticide C10H19O6PS2 that is considerably less toxic to mammals than parathion

Examples of malathion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was hit by the malathion, his lawsuit claimed, and went blind. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024 In their next home, they were sprayed by the pesticide malathion. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024 But making the plant respond differently to each chemical—like blue for acephate and purple for malathion—is much harder. WIRED, 30 Oct. 2023 Phosmet was detected on more than 10 percent of blueberry samples and malathion on 9 percent. Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 15 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for malathion 

Word History

Etymology

from Malathion, a trademark

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malathion was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near malathion

Cite this Entry

“Malathion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malathion. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

malathion

noun
mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌmal-ə-ˈthī-ən How to pronounce malathion (audio)
-ˌän
: a poisonous insecticide that is broken down in nature

Medical Definition

malathion

noun
mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌmal-ə-ˈthī-ən, -ˌän How to pronounce malathion (audio)
: a thiophosphate insecticide C10H19O6PS2 with a lower mammalian toxicity than parathion

More from Merriam-Webster on malathion

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