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pesticides

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill pests. Pests are animals or plants that can be harmful to people, crops, or animals. Pesticides can be used to kill insects, rodents, weeds, fungi, and other pests.

There are many different types of pesticides. Some pesticides are used to kill specific pests, while others can kill a variety of pests. Pesticides can be applied to plants, soil, or water.

Pesticides can be harmful to people and the environment. It is important to use pesticides safely and only when necessary.

How can the word be used?

Pesticides can harm the environment.

pesticides

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • pesticide (a substance used to kill pests).
  • pesticide poisoning (the poisoning of a person or animal by a pesticide).

Adjective:

  • pesticidal (of or relating to pesticides).

Etymology

The word "pesticide" is derived from the Latin word "pestis" (pestilence) and the suffix "cide" (killer). The first recorded use of the word "pesticide" in English was in 1939.

Question

When are pesticides used?