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Definition of pesticide - 5 dictionary results

pes⋅ti⋅cide

[pes-tuh-sahyd]
–noun
a chemical preparation for destroying plant, fungal, or animal pests.
Also called biocide.


Origin:
1935–40; pest + -i- + -cide


pes⋅ti⋅cid⋅al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pes·ti·cide   (pěs'tĭ-sīd')   
n.  A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects.
pes'ti·cid'al (-sīd'l) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pesticide 
1939, a hybrid coined from Eng. pest (q.v.) + -cide, from L. cidium "a killing," from caedere "to cut down, kill" (see concise).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: pes·ti·cide
Pronunciation: 'pes-t&-"sId
Function: noun
: an agent used to destroy pests
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

pesticide pes·ti·cide (pěs'tĭ-sīd')
n.
A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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