Pesticides Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpɛstɪsaɪdz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A substance used to destroy or repel pests, such as insects, rodents, or weeds, often used in agriculture, gardening, and pest control.

Examples

• The farmer applied pesticides to the crops to prevent infestation.
• The pest control service used pesticides to eliminate the cockroach infestation.

Synonyms

• Insecticides
• Fungicides
• Herbicides

Antonyms

• Organic fertilizers
• Natural pest control

Additional Information

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to increase crop yields and reduce pest-related losses. However, their overuse can lead to environmental and health concerns, such as pollution and toxicity. It is essential to use pesticides responsibly and follow recommended guidelines for application and dosage.

Pesticides can be classified into different types, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, each targeting specific types of pests. They can be applied through various methods, including spraying, dusting, or baiting.

Etymology

The word “pesticide” originates from the Latin words “pestis,” meaning plague or pest, and “cidium,” meaning killing. It was first used in the 1940s to describe chemical substances used to control pests.

Usage Notes

Pesticides are often used in agriculture, gardening, and pest control, but their use should be guided by recommended guidelines to minimize environmental and health risks.

Cultural References

Pesticides have been featured in various films, literature, and media, often highlighting their environmental and health impacts, such as in the documentary “The Devil We Know” and the novel “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Take a pesticide to the problem,” meaning to tackle the root cause of an issue.

Related Words or Phrases

• Toxic substances
• Chemical waste
• Pest management

Collocations

• pesticide use
• pesticide residue
• pesticide resistance

Frequency of Use

Pesticides are commonly used in modern agriculture and are frequently mentioned in news, research, and environmental discussions.

Common Misspellings

• Pesitcides
• Pesticieds
• Pesicides