defoliant

noun

de·​fo·​li·​ant (ˌ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ənt How to pronounce defoliant (audio)
: a chemical spray or dust applied to plants in order to cause the leaves to drop off prematurely

Examples of defoliant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This led the 77-year-old to seek care from the VA decades later over concerns of exposure to Agent Orange − an infamous toxic defoliant used during the Vietnam War that can cause cancer and other diseases. USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 The cause was Parkinson’s disease, which his family said resulted from exposure to Agent Orange, the toxic chemical sprayed by American aircraft as a defoliant in Vietnam. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024 American planes roaring overhead, releasing bombs, rockets and defoliants like Agent Orange, became part of their everyday existence. Saqib Rahim, NBC News, 17 Apr. 2023 The statement did not, however, change U.S. policy on two major weapons currently in routine use in Vietnam: tear gas and chemical defoliants. Daniel C. Schlenoff, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2020 See all Example Sentences for defoliant 

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defoliant was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near defoliant

Cite this Entry

“Defoliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defoliant. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

defoliant

noun
de·​fo·​li·​ant (ˈ)dē-ˈfō-lē-ənt How to pronounce defoliant (audio)
: a chemical that is applied to plants and causes their leaves to drop off

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