malathion

noun

mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌma-lə-ˈthī-ən 

-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

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

Acephate, phosmet and malathion are organophosphates, which interfere with the normal function of the nervous system, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 15 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

from Malathion, a trademark

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

malathion

noun

mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌmal-ə-ˈthī-ən 

-ˌän

: a poisonous insecticide that is broken down in nature

Medical Definition

malathion

noun

mal·​a·​thi·​on ˌmal-ə-ˈthī-ən, -ˌän 

: a thiophosphate insecticide C₁₀H₁₉O₆PS₂ with a lower mammalian toxicity than parathion