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Parathion - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Parathion is a highly toxic organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture to control pests. Due to its extreme danger to humans and wildlife, its use is heavily restricted or banned in many countries.

parathion

/pəˈræθiˌɑn/ /pəˈræθiˌɒn/

Definition:

A toxic organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture, now largely banned due to its high toxicity.

Synonyms:

thiophos, ethyl parathion, E605

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

antidote, detoxifier

Common Collocations:

parathion poisoning, parathion exposure, parathion contamination

Derivatives:

parathion-methyl, paraoxon

Usage Tips:

Use "parathion" cautiously in contexts discussing pesticides or chemical hazards due to its dangerous nature.

Common Phrases:

parathion residue, parathion toxicity, banned parathion

Etymology:

Derived from "para-" (beside) + "thio-" (sulfur) + "-on," indicating its chemical structure as a sulfur-containing compound.

Examples:

  • 1. Farmers once used parathion to protect crops from pests.
  • 2. Parathion is highly toxic to humans and animals alike.
  • 3. The government banned parathion due to its environmental risks.
  • 4. Exposure to parathion can cause severe health problems.

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