weed-killer

A gardener sprays weed-killer on the dandelions in his lawn.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substance used to destroy unwanted plants: "weed-killer" is a chemical or natural agent specifically formulated to kill weeds (unwanted plants) in gardens, farms, or other areas.

Usage Examples

• (A substance to eliminate weeds growing in pavement gaps.)
• (A natural or chemical product for weed control.)

Advanced Usage

• "Selective weed-killer": a type that kills only certain types of weeds without harming desired plants.

  • This selective weed-killer targets broadleaf weeds but leaves the grass untouched. (A specialized herbicide for specific weed species.)

• "Broad-spectrum weed-killer": a type that kills a wide variety of plants, including both weeds and desirable vegetation.

  • Use a broad-spectrum weed-killer only on paths or areas where no plants are wanted. (A non-selective herbicide.)

Variants and Related Words

• Weed (n): any unwanted plant that grows in cultivated ground.

  • The garden is full of dandelions and other weeds. (Unwanted plants.)

• Killer (n): something that destroys or eliminates.

  • This insect-killer is effective against aphids. (A substance that kills pests.)

• Weedkiller (n): an alternative spelling (often written as one word) with the same meaning.

  • He bought a new brand of weedkiller for the lawn. (Same as weed-killer.)

Synonyms

• Herbicide: a chemical used to kill plants, especially weeds.

  • The farmer sprayed herbicide over the entire field. (A scientific term for weed-killer.)

• Pesticide: a broader term for substances that kill pests, including weeds, insects, and fungi.

  • Many pesticides also act as weed-killers. (A general term for pest-control chemicals.)

Related Idioms

• "Kill two birds with one stone": to achieve two objectives with a single action (though not directly related to weed-killer, it uses the concept of "killer").

  • Using a natural weed-killer that also fertilizes the soil kills two birds with one stone. (Accomplishing two goals at once.)

• "Nip it in the bud": to stop something early before it grows, similar to preventing weeds.

  • Applying weed-killer early in the season helps nip weed problems in the bud. (Stop a problem before it develops.)