malathion

Thân thiện

A gardener sprays malathion on rose bushes to control aphids.

Definition

Noun A synthetic organophosphate insecticide and acaricide. It is a yellow to brown liquid with a characteristic odor, used primarily in agricultural, residential, and public health applications to control a wide range of insects and mites.

Usage

Malathion is used as a broad-spectrum insecticide. * Farmers apply malathion to protect crops from destructive pests. * Public health officials may use malathion in controlled sprays to reduce mosquito populations. * Malathion is effective against aphids, mites, and flies on garden plants.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: Malathion is a cholinesterase inhibitor, meaning it disrupts the nervous system of target insects. Its relatively lower mammalian toxicity compared to some other organophosphates allows for its use in specific public health and residential scenarios, though it still requires careful handling.
• Formulation: It is typically formulated and applied as an emulsifiable concentrate, dust, or wettable powder.

Variants and Related Words

• Organophosphate (noun): The class of chemicals to which malathion belongs.
• Insecticide (noun): A general term for a substance used to kill insects.
• Acaricide (noun): A substance used to kill mites and ticks.

Synonyms

• Insecticide
• Pesticide (broader term)
• Acaricide

Notes on Meaning

The word "malathion" refers specifically to this chemical compound. It is not used in an abstract or metaphorical sense. Its primary and only common meaning is as the name of the pesticidal agent.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a yellow insecticide used as a dust or spray to control garden pests and house flies and mites

Từ đồng nghĩa

• malathion