1 pyrethrin | Definition of pyrethrin

pyrethrin

noun
py·​re·​thrin | \ pÄ«-ˈrÄ“-thrÉ™n How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio) , -ˈre- How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio) \

Definition of pyrethrin

: either of two oily liquid esters C21H28O3 and C22H28O5 having insecticidal properties and occurring especially in the flowers of pyrethrum

Examples of pyrethrin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As if that's not reason enough to avoid them, those insecticidal shampoos often don't even work any more, because so many lice have also become resistant to pyrethrins and pyrethroids. Mariko Zapf, Good Housekeeping, "This 3-Step Natural Head Lice Remedy Works For My Family Every Time," 15 Aug. 2017 Most wasp killers contain pyrethrins, which are derived from botanical sources. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, "Wasps using agapanthus as a home base," 28 Mar. 2017 The Extension recommends using a fast-acting aerosol insecticide containing pyrethrins if fire ants are detected among flood debris, though these insecticides can be toxic to aquatic organisms, so caution is recommended. Jonece Starr Dunigan, AL.com, "Burning smell prompts plane to land at Selma airport, 2 injured," 21 June 2017 Pyrethrins and pyrethroids also work by interfering with sodium pores. Karen Weintraub, Scientific American, "Revenge of the Super Lice," 29 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pyrethrin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pyrethrin

1882, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pyrethrin

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin pyrethrum

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More Definitions for pyrethrin

pyrethrin

noun
py·​re·​thrin | \ pÄ«-ˈrÄ“-thrÉ™n How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio) , -ˈreth-rÉ™n How to pronounce pyrethrin (audio) \

Medical Definition of pyrethrin

: either of two oily liquid esters C21H28O3 and C22H28O5 that have insecticidal properties and are the active components of pyrethrum

More from Merriam-Webster on pyrethrin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyrethrin