pesticide
PES-tuh-syd
/ˈpestɪsaɪd/
A chemical substance used for destroying insects, weeds, fungi, or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals.
Pesticide is a broad, generic term that includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides.
The story behind the word. Formed in the mid-20th century by combining Latin pestis (plague or pest) with the suffix -cida (killer), derived from caedere (to kill). It was coined as a broad umbrella term to encompass substances targeting insects, weeds, and fungi.
Word relationships
- biocide: Biocide is a broader scientific term for any substance that destroys living organisms, including bacteria.
- chemical agent: Chemical agent is a highly general term that can refer to weapons, industrial chemicals, or agricultural sprays.
- fertilizer: A fertilizer promotes plant growth, whereas a pesticide kills unwanted organisms.
Commonly confused with
- insecticide: An insecticide is a specific type of pesticide designed only to kill insects, whereas a pesticide can target weeds, fungi, or rodents.
Word family
- pesticidal (adjective): Relating to or having the properties of a pesticide.
Collocations
- chemical pesticide
- organic pesticide
- pesticide runoff
- apply pesticide
Example sentences
- "Rachel Carson's landmark book Silent Spring exposed the devastating environmental effects of indiscriminate pesticide use." An environmental warning about chemical runoff.
Memory hook
Think of a 'pest' committing 'suicide' because of the chemical spray. A pest-killing chemical.
When not to use
Do not use if you are specifically referring only to insects (use 'insecticide') or weeds (use 'herbicide') when precision is required.
Fun facts
- The oldest recorded pesticide was elemental sulfur, used by ancient Mesopotamians about 4,500 years ago.
Related words
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