Definition

A harmful chemical compound that was used to kill insects but is now banned due to its toxicity.

Example

Farmers used toxaphene to protect their crops from pests before it was banned.

Conversation

Have you heard about the dangers of toxaphene?

Yeah, I read that it was used as an insecticide, but it's really harmful.

I can't believe they used to spray toxaphene on crops.

I know, right? It's crazy how long it took to ban it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Toxaphene is derived from 'toxa-' (from Greek 'toxikon', meaning poison) and '-phene' (from Greek 'phainesthai', meaning to appear). The word refers to a chemical compound that appears as a toxic substance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'toxin' for poison and 'phene' for something that appears — this helps you remember that toxaphene is a substance that appears as a poison.

Visually Confused Words