herbicide
HUR-buh-syde
/ˈhɜːrbɪsaɪd/
A chemical substance that is toxic to plants, used specifically to destroy unwanted vegetation or weeds.
Implies a chemical intervention designed to target weeds while ideally leaving desirable plants or turf unharmed.
The story behind the word. Formed in the late 19th century by combining 'herba' (the Latin word for grass or green plants) with the suffix '-cide' (from 'caedere', meaning to kill or cut down). It shares this lethal suffix with words like homicide, pesticide, and insecticide.
Word relationships
- weedkiller: Weedkiller is the common household term, whereas herbicide is the scientific and professional designation.
- pesticide: Pesticide is an umbrella term for any chemical that kills pests (including insects and rodents), while herbicide specifically targets plants.
Commonly confused with
- pesticide: A pesticide kills pests (often insects), whereas an herbicide specifically kills plants (weeds).
Word family
- herbicidal (adjective): Having the properties of or relating to an herbicide.
Collocations
- selective herbicide
- apply herbicide
- organic herbicide
- broadleaf herbicide
Example sentences
- "Always wear protective gloves when applying herbicide to prevent skin irritation." A safety manual for residential lawn care.
- "The selective herbicide successfully eliminated the invasive crabgrass without damaging the surrounding fescue." A botanical study on invasive species control.
Memory hook
Think of 'herbs' (plants) meeting their 'demise' (death) via a chemical 'slide'—herbicide. Herbicide commits homicide on weeds.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to manual weed removal (weeding) or biological controls; it strictly denotes a chemical agent.
Fun facts
- Some plants produce their own natural herbicides; for example, the black walnut tree releases a chemical called juglone into the soil to prevent other plants from growing near it.
Related words
Explore more words
monoculture, carcinogen, slash-and-burn, toxic, invasive, toxin
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