azadirachtin

noun

azad·​i·​rach·​tin ə-ˌza-də-ˈrak-tən How to pronounce azadirachtin (audio)
plural azadirachtins
: a chemical compound C35H44O16 that occurs in the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and is used as an insecticide
Most of neem's pesticidal punch comes from the compound azadirachtin, which disrupts insects' growth as well as dampening their appetite.Leslie Land, New York Times, 10 May 2007
Azadirachtin causes hormonal imbalances and disrupts the maturation cycle in insects, which results in unsuccessful molts, or heavily deformed immature insect stages.Illinois Blasdel, Landscape Management, April 2005

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of azadirachtin was in 1971

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near azadirachtin

Cite this Entry

“Azadirachtin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/azadirachtin. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!