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DDT
noun
: a colorless odorless water-insoluble insecticide C14H9Cl5 that is an aromatic organochlorine banned in the U.S. that tends to accumulate and persist in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates
Examples of DDT in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1962, the marine biologist Rachel Carson was widely credited with playing a key role in launching the conservationist movement with her book Silent Spring, a work which ultimately led to the outright ban of the pesticide DDT and the formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
—Mary Foley, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
This work highlighted the environmental damage caused by pesticides, particularly DDT, and is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024
The chemical industry, facing a DDT ban, quickly developed much safer pesticides.
—Alexander E. Gates, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024
One of the eagles is blind in one eye after suffering from DDT poisoning, which means staff had to add perches and stumps lower to the ground in its enclosure and move logs that could be tripping hazards, Mr. Barnes said.
—Jaimie Ding and Jae Hong, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Sep. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
dichlor- + diphenyl + trichlor- (from tri- + chlor-)
First Known Use
1943, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near DDT
Cite this Entry
“DDT.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DDT. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
DDT
noun
: a colorless formerly used insecticide that is poisonous to many animals with backbones
Medical Definition
DDT
noun
: a colorless odorless water-insoluble crystalline insecticide C14H9Cl5 that tends to accumulate in ecosystems and has toxic effects on many vertebrates
called also chlorophenothane, dicophane
More from Merriam-Webster on DDT
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about DDT
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