Definition

A substance or product that is used to kill parasites, which are organisms that live on or in a host and get their food from it.

Example

Farmers often use a parasiticide to protect their livestock from harmful parasites.

Conversation

Have you heard about that new parasiticide they just released?

No, I haven't! What does it do?

It’s supposed to be really effective against ticks and fleas.

That sounds useful, especially with all the pets around.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parasiticide → It is formed from "parasite" (from Greek "parasitos", meaning one who eats at another's table) and "-cide" (from Latin "caedere", meaning to kill). The word refers to a substance that kills parasites.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'parasite' as something that lives off another and '-cide' meaning to kill — so a parasiticide is something that kills parasites.

Visually Confused Words