bordeaux mixture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “bordeaux mixture” mean?
A fungicide made from copper sulphate and lime, used in agriculture and horticulture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fungicide made from copper sulphate and lime, used in agriculture and horticulture.
A specific preparation of copper-based fungicide, originally developed in the Bordeaux region of France to combat downy mildew on grapevines, now used against various fungal diseases on many plants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Associated with traditional, often organic or low-chemical-input farming practices in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to agricultural, horticultural, and gardening contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bordeaux mixture” in a Sentence
[Subject] applies Bordeaux mixture to [object]Bordeaux mixture is used for [purpose][Disease] is controlled with Bordeaux mixtureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bordeaux mixture” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Bordeaux-mixture treatment
American English
- Bordeaux-mixture application
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the agricultural supply or organic farming sectors.
Academic
Used in agricultural science, plant pathology, and history of agriculture texts.
Everyday
Virtually unused outside of gardening or farming conversations.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture, viticulture, and organic farming manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bordeaux mixture”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bordeaux mixture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bordeaux mixture”
- Using lowercase 'b' ('bordeaux mixture'). It is typically capitalised as a proper noun.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will bordeaux mixture the roses').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally permitted in organic farming systems as it is based on naturally occurring minerals (copper and lime), though its use is sometimes regulated due to copper accumulation in soil.
Yes, it can be prepared by carefully mixing solutions of copper sulphate and hydrated lime, but precise ratios and safety precautions (wearing gloves and eye protection) are essential as the components are corrosive.
It is commonly used on grapes, potatoes, tomatoes, roses, and fruit trees to combat diseases like downy mildew, potato blight, peach leaf curl, and black spot.
It can cause phytotoxicity (leaf burn) on some plants, especially in cool, wet weather, and repeated use can lead to a buildup of copper in the soil, which is toxic to earthworms and other soil life.
A fungicide made from copper sulphate and lime, used in agriculture and horticulture.
Bordeaux mixture is usually technical/specialist in register.
Bordeaux mixture: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɔː.dəʊ ˈmɪks.tʃər/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɔːrˈdoʊ ˈmɪks.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the famous French wine region Bordeaux. They created a 'mixture' to protect their grapes.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A COATING (The mixture coats the plant to form a protective barrier).
Practice
Quiz
What is Bordeaux mixture primarily used for?