dimethoate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dimethoate” mean?
A systemic organophosphate insecticide and acaricide used in agriculture to control pests by inhibiting cholinesterase.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A systemic organophosphate insecticide and acaricide used in agriculture to control pests by inhibiting cholinesterase.
A chemical compound (C5H12NO3PS2) widely employed as a crop protection agent against sap-feeding insects and mites, known for its systemic action within plants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences in usage. Regulatory status and approved crop uses may vary by region.
Connotations
Technical, agricultural, chemical. Carries connotations of crop protection, potential toxicity, and environmental regulation.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside professional contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “dimethoate” in a Sentence
NP apply dimethoate to NPNP contain dimethoateNP be treated with dimethoateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dimethoate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farm manager decided to dimethoate the orchard before the aphid population exploded.
- We must not dimethoate this crop close to harvest.
American English
- The grower will dimethoate the soybean field as a last resort.
- It's illegal to dimethoate within 50 feet of a waterway.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The dimethoate solution must be prepared with care.
- A dimethoate-based treatment was recommended.
American English
- We observed dimethoate toxicity in the test bees.
- Check for any dimethoate restrictions on the label.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agribusiness reports, supply chain discussions for crop inputs, and regulatory compliance documents.
Academic
Used in research papers on entomology, toxicology, environmental chemistry, and integrated pest management.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation except by farmers, gardeners, or in news reports about chemical safety.
Technical
The primary context. Appears in scientific literature, pesticide labels, safety data sheets, and agricultural extension guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dimethoate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dimethoate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dimethoate”
- Misspelling: 'dimenthoate', 'dimethoat', 'dymethoate'.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈdɪməθeɪt/ or /daɪˈmiːθoʊeɪt/.
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'three dimethoates'); it is a mass noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. It is a potent organophosphate with significant toxicity risks. Its use is typically restricted to trained professionals in agriculture.
Historically, it has been used on a variety of fruit, vegetable, and field crops like citrus, apples, beans, and cotton, but approved uses vary significantly by country and are subject to change.
Dimethoate is systemic, meaning it is absorbed and translocated within the plant's tissues, protecting new growth. Contact insecticides only kill pests that directly touch the sprayed surface.
Due to its high toxicity to non-target organisms, particularly pollinators like bees and potential risks to human health from residues, leading to bans or severe restrictions in many jurisdictions.
A systemic organophosphate insecticide and acaricide used in agriculture to control pests by inhibiting cholinesterase.
Dimethoate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dimethoate: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈmɛθəʊeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈmɛθoʊˌeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None applicable”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIME (coin) + THO (though) + ATE (past of eat). "Though it cost a DIME, the insect ATE the crop treated with dimethoate."
Conceptual Metaphor
CHEMICAL AS SOLDIER / PROTECTOR (e.g., 'Dimethoate defends the crop from invading aphids').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary mode of action of dimethoate?