Herbicide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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herbicide
[ˈhɜːrbɪsaɪd ]
Definitions
chemical substance
A substance used to destroy plants, especially weeds. Herbicides are widely used in agriculture to control unwanted vegetation.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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herbicide |
Use this word when talking about chemicals specifically designed to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants (weeds). It's commonly used in agriculture, gardening, and landscaping.
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weedkiller |
Similar to 'herbicide,' this word is more commonly used in everyday language and often refers to products used by home gardeners to eliminate weeds in their gardens or yards.
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pesticide |
This is a broader term used for chemicals that are designed to kill pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi. Use it when talking about general pest control.
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Examples of usage
- Farmers use herbicides to protect their crops from weed infestation.
- Gardeners often use herbicides to keep their lawns free from unwanted plants.
environmental impact
Herbicides can have negative effects on the environment, such as contaminating water sources and harming non-target plant species.
Synonyms
plant poison, weed killer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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herbicide |
Use in scientific or agricultural discussions to describe chemicals used to eliminate unwanted vegetation.
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weed killer |
Use in everyday language or for commercial products aimed at general consumers looking to control weeds in their gardens or lawns.
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plant poison |
Use when referring to substances that are toxic to plants and might have a broader application beyond just weeds. Often has a more negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The use of herbicides in agriculture has raised concerns about their impact on biodiversity.
- Environmentalists advocate for the reduction of herbicide use to protect ecosystems.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'herbicide'
The term 'herbicide' originates from the combination of 'herb' (referring to plants) and 'cide' (from Latin 'caedere' meaning 'to kill'). Herbicides have been used for centuries to control unwanted vegetation, with modern synthetic herbicides becoming widely used in the 20th century with the rise of industrial agriculture.
See also: herb, herbaceous, herbal, herbarium, herbivore.