noun · neutral
pesticide
UK/ˈpes.tɪ.saɪd/US/ˈpes.tə.saɪd/PES·ti·cide
a chemical used for killing pests, especially on crops
Examples
“Farmers often spray pesticides early in the season to protect young plants.”
“Concerns about pesticide residue have increased demand for organic produce.”
“Regulations now limit which pesticides can be used near schools.”
Band 8 sentence
“Policymakers must balance the short‑term benefits of pesticides for crop yields against long‑term risks to biodiversity and human health.”
Collocations
- pesticide residue
- apply pesticides
- ban certain pesticides
Word family
Common mistakes
Many farmers use many pesticide on their fields.→Many farmers use many pesticides on their fields.
Say it for a higher band
5chemical→6insecticide→7+pesticide
Synonyms
insecticide
Easily confused
herbicide
“Herbicides are used to kill weeds in fields.”
Related words
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In Environment & Climate
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