pesticide

UK: ˈpestɪsaɪd | US: ˈpestəsaɪd

Definition

  1. n. a chemical substance used to kill pests, especially insects or rodents.

Structure
pest <destructive organism>i <connecting vowel>cide <killing>
Etymology

The word "pesticide" combines "pest," derived from Latin pestis (meaning "plague" or "destructive organism"), with the suffix "-cide," from Latin -cida (meaning "killer" or "act of killing"). The connecting vowel "i" bridges the two morphemes. The term emerged in the early 20th century, reflecting the scientific development of targeted chemical agents to eliminate agricultural or household pests. The logic is straightforward: "pest" + "killing" = "pest-killer."

Examples

  1. Farmers rely on pesticide to protect crops from insect infestations.

  2. Overuse of pesticide can harm beneficial insects like bees.

  3. The government regulates pesticide levels in food for safety.

  4. Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticide.

  5. Researchers are developing eco-friendly pesticide alternatives.