pesticides
n. C / Un. chemicals that farmers use to kill insects or other small animals that damage crops. You use them to protect food while it is growing.
n. substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals. Often discussed in the context of environmental impact and agricultural runoff.
Farmers use pesticides to protect their crops from insects.
The government introduced new regulations to limit the use of toxic pesticides near residential areas.
While modern pesticides have significantly increased global food security by reducing crop loss, their widespread application raises concerns regarding biodiversity and the long-term health of local ecosystems.
Commonly used in the plural when referring to the general category of chemicals; the singular refers to a specific chemical type.