C1nounenvironmentscience
US/ɪnˈsek.tə.saɪd/
UK/ɪnˈsek.tɪ.saɪd/
a chemical used to kill insects, especially ones that damage crops
In context
Farmers spray insecticide on the cotton plants to stop insects eating the leaves.
Heavy use of insecticides has caused a sharp fall in the number of bees.
Some insecticides stay in the soil for years after they are applied.
Words that go with insecticide
verb + noun
- spray insecticideThey spray insecticide on the orchard twice a year.
- use insecticidesMany countries have banned farmers from using certain insecticides.
- apply insecticideYou should apply insecticide in the early morning.
adjective + noun
- chemical insecticideChemical insecticide can harm the animals that eat the insects.
noun + noun
- insecticide residueTests found insecticide residue on some of the vegetables.
adjective + preposition
- resistant to insecticideMany mosquitoes are now resistant to insecticide.