insecticide
n. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈsɛktəˌsaɪd// UK //ˌɪnsˈɛktɪsˌaɪd// in·sec·ti·cide
n. a chemical substance used to kill insects. You usually find it in sprays or powders to protect crops or homes from bugs.
n. a substance used to kill insects, especially one used in agriculture or pest control.
The farmer uses a strong insecticide to protect his crops.
The gardener applied an organic insecticide to the roses to prevent aphids from damaging the leaves.
While synthetic insecticides are highly effective at eliminating pests, their widespread use has led to significant environmental concerns regarding the long-term health of local bee populations.
From French insecticide, as insect + -icide.