noun Uncommon

pesticide

PEHS-tih-syd

Pesticide (noun) means a chemical or biological substance used to kill or control pests such as insects and weeds. Example: “The farm switched to organic methods to avoid using pesticide.”

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noun

A chemical or biological substance used to kill or control pests such as insects and weeds.

"The farm switched to organic methods to avoid using pesticide."

How to use pesticide

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA substance made to kill insects, weeds, or other pests.

Common pairings

pesticide residue pesticide use organic, pesticide-free

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

pesticides plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farm switched to organic methods to avoid using _____.

Etymology

From pest + the combining form -cide ("killer"), from Latin caedere ("to cut down, kill").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for pesticide

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pesticide” mean?

The word “pesticide” means a chemical or biological substance used to kill or control pests such as insects and weeds. In plain terms, a substance made to kill insects, weeds, or other pests.

How do you pronounce “pesticide”?

“Pesticide” is pronounced PEHS-tih-syd (/ˈpɛstɪˌsaɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “pesticide” in a sentence?

Here is “pesticide” used in a sentence: “The farm switched to organic methods to avoid using pesticide.”

What part of speech is “pesticide”?

“Pesticide” is a noun.

Where does the word “pesticide” come from?

The word “pesticide” comes from Latin. From pest + the combining form -cide ("killer"), from Latin caedere ("to cut down, kill").

Is “pesticide” a common word?

“Pesticide” is an uncommon word in modern English.