biocide

[ bahy-uh-sahyd ]
/ ˈbaɪ əˌsaɪd /

noun

any chemical that destroys life by poisoning, especially a pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide.

Origin of biocide

First recorded in 1945–50; bio- + -cide

OTHER WORDS FROM biocide

bi·o·cid·al, adjective

Words nearby biocide

biochemical pathways, biochemical profile, biochemistry, biochip, biocidal, biocide, bioclastic, bioclean, bioclimatic, bioclimatology, biocoenology

British Dictionary definitions for biocide

biocide
/ (ˈbaɪəˌsaɪd) /

noun

a chemical, such as a pesticide, capable of killing living organisms

Derived forms of biocide

biocidal, adjective

Scientific definitions for biocide

biocide
[ bī′ə-sīd′ ]

A chemical agent, such as a pesticide or herbicide, that is capable of destroying living organisms.