Pesticide: meaning, definitions and examples

This is a general term used to describe substances meant to kill pests, including insects, rodents, weeds, and fungi. It is used when referring to any chemical used to control harmful organisms.

• Farmers often use pesticides to protect their crops.
• To prevent an infestation, you might need to apply a pesticide.

This word refers to chemicals used to kill insects. It is used in contexts where the goal is to manage insect populations that are harmful to plants, animals, or humans.

• The orchard owner used an insecticide to protect the fruit trees from pests.
• If you have a problem with ants in your house, an insecticide can help.

This term is used for chemicals that specifically target and kill unwanted plants or weeds. It is often used in agriculture and gardening to maintain crop health by eliminating competing weeds.

• The farmer sprayed herbicide to get rid of the weeds in the cornfield.
• Many gardeners use herbicides to keep their flower beds free of unwanted plants.

This term specifically refers to chemicals used to kill or inhibit fungi such as molds and mildews that are harmful to plants. Use this word when dealing with fungal infections in plants or materials.

• The gardener applied a fungicide to stop the mold from spreading.
• To prevent mildew in the greenhouse, a regular treatment with fungicide is necessary.

Used in agricultural and gardening settings to control or eliminate pests that can damage crops or plants.

• Farmers apply pesticide to their fields to protect the crops from insects.
• She used a pesticide to deal with the aphid infestation on her rose bushes.

Applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces to deter insects, often used during outdoor activities to avoid bites and stings.

• She applied insect repellent before going on a hike to avoid mosquito bites.
• They kept a bottle of insect repellent at the picnic to keep the bugs away.

Used primarily for cleaning and killing germs or bacteria on surfaces, especially in medical settings or households.

• Hospital staff use a disinfectant to clean surgical instruments.
• He sprayed disinfectant on the kitchen counter to ensure it was germ-free.