acephate

noun

ac·​e·​phate ˈa-sə-ˌfāt How to pronounce acephate (audio)
: an organophosphate insecticide C4H10NO3PS that is used to control insects (such as aphids and thrips) on cultivated crops and ornamental plants
Orthene, the brand name for acephate, is both a contact spray and a systemic organophosphate that acts as a nerve poison.—Anne Raver, New York Times, 2 Apr. 1992

Note: Acephate is typically available as a powder, dust, or spray or as granules. Like other organophosphate insecticides, acephate functions by inhibiting the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Word History

Etymology

probably from acetyl + phosphoramidothioate, parts of its earlier systematic name

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acephate was in 1972

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Dictionary Entries Near acephate

acephalous

acephate

ace point

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Cite this Entry

“Acephate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acephate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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