insecticide
UK: ɪnˈsɛktɪsaɪd | US: ɪnˈsɛktɪsaɪd
n. a substance used for killing insects
The word "insecticide" combines "insect," derived from Latin insectum (meaning "cut into sections," referring to the segmented bodies of insects), with the suffix "-cide," from Latin -cida (meaning "killer" or "act of killing"). The term emerged in the mid-19th century as a scientific label for chemicals designed to eliminate insects, reflecting the logical fusion of "insect" and "killing."
Farmers sprayed insecticide to protect their crops from pests.
Overuse of insecticide can harm beneficial pollinators like bees.
The government banned a toxic insecticide due to environmental concerns.
Organic farming avoids synthetic insecticides in favor of natural alternatives.
Researchers are developing safer insecticides to reduce ecological damage.