chlorothalonil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chlorothalonil” mean?
A broad-spectrum, non-systemic fungicide used to control fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture, and silviculture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A broad-spectrum, non-systemic fungicide used to control fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture, and silviculture.
A chlorinated aromatic compound belonging to the class of organochlorine fungicides, known for its protective action on plant surfaces. It is a widely used, multi-site contact fungicide that inhibits spore germination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage is identical in professional contexts across both varieties. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Primarily neutral and technical. Increasingly carries negative connotations related to environmental persistence, toxicity to aquatic life, and regulatory restrictions/ bans in some jurisdictions.
Frequency
Frequency is low and restricted to specific professional domains (agronomy, environmental science, regulatory bodies). The average native speaker is unlikely to encounter or use this word.
Grammar
How to Use “chlorothalonil” in a Sentence
[NP] is treated with chlorothalonil.Chlorothalonil is applied to [NP] to control [Disease].The [Crop] was sprayed with a chlorothalonil solution.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chlorothalonil” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chlorothalonil treatment proved effective.
- A chlorothalonil-resistant strain has emerged.
American English
- The chlorothalonil spray schedule is critical.
- Chlorothalonil-based products are common here.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of agrochemical sales, supply chains, and regulatory compliance. E.g., 'The company's chlorothalonil sales have declined due to new EU regulations.'
Academic
Used in research papers on plant pathology, fungicide efficacy, environmental chemistry, and ecotoxicology. E.g., 'The study evaluated the dissipation rate of chlorothalonil in sandy loam soil.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation unless discussing gardening at a very technical level or environmental pollution.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in agricultural extension guides, pesticide labels, safety data sheets, and environmental monitoring reports. E.g., 'Apply chlorothalonil at a rate of 1.5 L/ha when disease pressure is moderate.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chlorothalonil”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chlorothalonil”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chlorothalonil”
- Misspelling as 'chlorothalinol', 'chlorothalonol', or 'clorothalonil'.
- Incorrect pronunciation placing stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., /'klɔːrəθələnɪl/).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a chlorothalonil') – it is typically a non-count mass noun referring to the substance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, chlorothalonil is a synthetic chemical fungicide and is not permitted for use in certified organic agriculture.
It has been used on a wide range of crops including peanuts, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, turf grass, and various fruits and ornamental plants.
Due to its classification as a probable human carcinogen, its high and long-lasting toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates, and its potential to contaminate groundwater.
No, it is primarily a protectant fungicide. It must be applied before infection occurs to create a barrier on the plant surface. It has little to no curative activity.
A broad-spectrum, non-systemic fungicide used to control fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture, and silviculture.
Chlorothalonil is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chlorothalonil: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːrəʊˈθælənɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːroʊˈθælənɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHLORe' (like chlorine/chloride) + 'THALO' (sounds like 'thallium', another element) + 'NIL' (nothing). It's a chlorine-containing chemical that aims to make fungus nil/nothing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHIELD or BARRIER. Chlorothalonil is conceptualized as forming a protective coating on the plant surface, preventing fungal invasion.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary mode of action of chlorothalonil?