Fungicidal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fungicidal

[หŒfสŒn.dส’ษชหˆsaษช.dlฬฉ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

used in agriculture

Capable of destroying fungi.

Synonyms

antifungal, fungistatic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fungicidal

Use this when referring to substances or treatments that completely eliminate fungi. This term is often used in agricultural, industrial, and medical contexts where total eradication of fungi is necessary.

  • The farmer treated the crops with a fungicidal spray to prevent mold growth.
  • The doctor recommended a fungicidal cream to treat the patient's fungal infection.
antifungal

This term is more general and is used broadly to describe substances that inhibit or kill fungi. It can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts. It does not necessarily imply that the fungi are completely eradicated.

  • The ointment has antifungal properties that help control athlete's foot.
  • She added an antifungal agent to the paint to prevent mold growth in the basement.
fungistatic

This term is specifically used to describe substances that inhibit the growth of fungi without necessarily killing them. It is often mentioned in scientific and medical discussions.

  • The lab experimented with a fungistatic solution to slow down the spread of the fungus in the petri dish.
  • Fungistatic medications are commonly used to manage chronic fungal infections.

Examples of usage

  • This fungicidal spray will help protect the plants from fungal infections.
  • Farmers often use fungicidal treatments to prevent crop damage.
Context #2 | Adjective

general usage

Relating to or used for killing fungi.

Synonyms

antifungal, fungistatic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fungicidal

The term fungicidal is a duplicate here and thus has the same context and usage as previously described: used to describe agents that kill fungi.

  • The fungicidal properties of the solution were tested in the lab.
  • For severe infestations, a fungicidal approach might be necessary.
antifungal

Antifungal is often used in both medical and general contexts to refer to substances or medications that prevent the growth of fungi or treat fungal infections.

  • She applied an antifungal cream to her athlete's foot.
  • Grocery stores often carry a variety of antifungal products for garden use.
fungistatic

Fungistatic refers to agents or substances that inhibit the growth of fungi without necessarily killing them, often used in medical and agricultural contexts.

  • The fungistatic drug helped to keep the infection under control.
  • Fungistatic treatments in agriculture can prevent the spread of plant diseases.

Examples of usage

  • The fungicidal properties of this medication make it effective against fungal infections.
  • The fungicidal effect of the cleaning solution helps eliminate mold and mildew.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Various chemicals act as fungicides, including natural substances like neem oil and synthetic ones like chlorothalonil.
  • Fungi play critical roles in ecosystems, but fungicidal products are necessary to protect crops from destructive species like rust and mildew.

Agriculture

  • Using fungicidal treatments can prevent crop losses of up to 30%, ensuring more food is available.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) often includes fungicidal applications as part of a balanced strategy to maintain crops.

Health

  • In medicine, antifungal treatments serve as fungicidal agents to fight infections in humans caused by fungi.
  • Conditions like athleteโ€™s foot and ringworm are often treated with fungicidal creams and medications.

Environmental Impact

  • Some fungicides can have harmful effects on beneficial fungi and overall soil health, prompting research into safer alternatives.
  • Regulations are evolving to limit the use of harmful fungicides to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.

Origin of 'fungicidal'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from Latin roots, 'fungi' refers to mushrooms and molds, while '-cidal' means 'to kill'.
  • The term reflects a specific purpose in agriculture and medicineโ€”keeping crops and people safe from harmful fungi.

The term 'fungicidal' is derived from the combination of 'fungi' (plural of fungus) and 'cidal' (from Latin 'caedere' meaning 'to kill'). It first appeared in the early 20th century as a descriptor for substances or treatments that can kill fungi. Fungal diseases have long been a concern in agriculture, leading to the development of fungicidal solutions to protect crops and plants.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,857, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.